Bontebok National Park - SANParks

01/09/2026

6 Days To Go
Discover the natural and cultural heritage that belongs to all South Africans.

Things to do in Bontebok National Park:
Get close to nature and look out for the park’s namesake bontebok. Visitors can enjoy the park’s hiking and cycling routes, except for the Bushbuck and Ou Tuin trails, which remain closed following the flooding incident in May 2026. Fishing along the Breede River and relaxing in the park’s scenic surroundings are also popular activities.

Check your park's specific free access dates and entry conditions before travelling. sanparks.org/events/sa-national-parks-week-2026

SA National Parks Week offers free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors. This initiative aims to encourage South Africans to explore their natural heritage and foster a sense of ownership.

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

BONTEBOK NATIONAL PARK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOLLOWING FLOOD DAMAGE

1 September 2026

The Minister of Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Minister David Maynier, visited the Bontebok National Park on 29 August 2026, to receive a briefing on the park’s recovery following severe flooding on the Breede River in the Western Cape in May 2026.

The flood resulted in severe damage to some of the park’s chalets, the picnic site, and the near complete destruction of the main access road to the accommodation area. The total cost of repairing the damage is estimated to reach R12.3 million.

Minister Maynier congratulated the SANParks management team on their speedy response to the flooding: “Given the rate at which the river rose, the team had to act quickly to safely evacuate guests and save some of the park’s furnishings. The rapid emergency response is a real credit to the entire management team.”

The road has been repaired in record time, with stronger reinforcing forming part of the rehabilitation project, and a large amount of the debris carried by the flooding river has been removed from the accommodation area.

Six of the park’s chalets, along with the campsite and three hiking trails (Aloe Hill, Acacia, and Termite trails), have now been reopened to the public. Work is underway to repair the remaining chalets, two hiking trails (Bushbuck and Ou Tuin), and the picnic site.

Minister Maynier encouraged the public to visit the park: ‘While there is still much work to be done, the park is open and is well worth a visit this beautiful part of the Western Cape. We look forward to seeing the Bontebok National Park go from strength to strength as repairs are completed and exciting new offerings become available for visitors.”

ENDS

29/08/2026

Ministerial Visit to Bontebok National Park

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, David Maynier, is currently visiting Bontebok National Park to assess the impact of the recent flood damage and view the progress made within the park during the recovery efforts.

Stay tuned for more updates!

South African National Parks

27/08/2026

SANParks Bontebok National Park, collaborated with SEDFA and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to deliver a four-day training programme aimed at empowering women in the construction sector.

The training was attended by 32 women from Swellendam and covered key areas relevant to the construction industry, including applicable legislation and regulations, soil conditions, foundations, roof construction, occupational health and safety, and other essential construction-related topics.

SANParks also used the opportunity to share information on procurement opportunities and guide participating SMMEs on SANParks’ procurement processes, helping them better understand and access potential business opportunities within the organisation.

The initiative demonstrates SANParks’ continued commitment to empowering local communities living adjacent to national parks by strengthening skills, supporting enterprise development, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in the local economy.

24/08/2026

17/08/2026

14/08/2026

🌱 Planting seeds of hope for a greener tomorrow!

SANParks, in partnership with the Railton Foundation, officially launched the Greening and Food Security Programme at the Railton Foundation Community Garden in Swellendam on 14 August 2026.

The initiative supports food security, sustainable livelihoods, skills development and local economic opportunities through community food production.

Through its Corporate Social Investment contribution, SANParks provided essential infrastructure and equipment, including a greenhouse, irrigation and water-support infrastructure, gardening tools, a storage and cooling facility, and soup-kitchen supplies.

The project demonstrates the power of partnerships in creating practical, sustainable opportunities that benefit both communities and the environment.



Swellendam Municipality - SWEMun Railton Foundation Swellendam

31/07/2026

Cape Region Commemorates World Ranger Day at Tsitsikamma National Park

13/05/2026

Media Release: WEATHER IMPACTS AFFECT A NUMBER OF PARKS IN THE CAPE REGION
13 May 2026

Severe weather conditions experienced across the Western Cape over recent days have resulted in flooding, infrastructure damage, electricity outages and temporary closures across a number of SANParks-managed parks in the Cape region, including Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo and West Coast National Parks.

The South African Weather Service has further warned of continued cold, wet and windy conditions across parts of the province in the coming days.

At Table Mountain National Park, most visitor areas remain open, including Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Deer Park, Newlands Picnic Site and hiking trails in Newlands, Tokai Picnic Site, Cecilia and Constantia Nek. At Silvermine, Gate 1 is partially open following damage to ablution facilities and water tanks caused by strong winds. The Elephants Eye Trail from the Silvermine dam remains closed due to falling trees. The Tokai Arboretum also remains closed due to falling branches and blocked access routes. Rangers continue with clean-up operations and infrastructure assessments.
Bontebok National Park is temporarily closed following severe flooding along the Breede River, with chalets at Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp under water and several hiking trails affected.
West Coast National Park remains open despite infrastructure damage to the Abrahamskraal and Van Breda accommodation facilities caused by wind speeds of up to 90km/h recorded on 11 May 2026.

Agulhas National Park and the wider Cape Agulhas municipal area continue to experience electricity outages following the severe weather, affecting communication systems and operations. Rising water levels have also been reported along the R319 between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai.

At Tankwa Karoo National Park, all access roads remain open although extremely wet conditions persist throughout the park.

Visitors and hikers are urged to exercise caution, avoid flooded or unsafe areas, adhere to temporary closures and monitor weather forecasts before visiting parks or undertaking hiking activities.

Ends

Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks)