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Sorry DQ. The visit was a "spur of the moment" decision as I actually travelled to Heidelberg (Cape) on business and only when coming back (and passing Bontebok's turn-off) I decided to go and have a quick peep. Unfortunately no camera with me.

Thanksd Stoffel,

I am a Bontebok Park lover and am pleased with the news.

Also seen Stan's bustard there.

Hi Stoffel
Bontebok 'is' a family favourite. We just loved it as it was, so I hope we will not be disappointed with the changes and that the 'is' does not become a 'was' I suppose we need to move on, but we just loved the no electricity. I will be positive and wait to see the changes
We always caravanned in our own caravan and each one of us had a favourite spot.
Are the chalets been built in the same area as the chalavans were and are there a lot more?
We developed such a good relationship with the park attendant Karel. His wife used to take care of the ladies ablutions and he did all the maintenance etc. His afrikaans was quite difficult to understand.Our best was when he discussed the weather. Instead of saying.. 'Dit gaan nie reen nie", he would say "Dit gattie reen nie".
We nik-named him Gattie

Perhaps when we pass there in Jan on our way to Tsitsikamma and Addo we should have a peek and maybe sneek a couple of pics for the Bontebok forum Fans

Thanks for the update on Bontebok, Stoffel! We also love the park. Hope that the new additions are a facelift, but that it retains its quiet charm.

I hope you can picture what I'm gonna try and explain. The chalets are all built between the ablution block and the old "exhibit" building. The river lies to the west of the camp (if my directions are correct). In other words, the chalets are built on the western side of the camp - about all of them having a river view.

The caravan sites with electricity will be on the eastern side of the camp (two of the chalet vans are on that side) - furthest from the river. The area for tents is to the southern side - if you face the river, to the left of the road going down to the river.

Next to the river (down below) camping will only be allowed to the left of the road and not on the river bank itself.

Yes, I also don't really care about electricity - but on the other hand I find it quite "handy". I don't think anybody should be concerned that the character of the rest camp (or the rest of the park) will be spoiled. I think SANParks are going out of their way to ensure that Bontebok will keep its tranquil atmosphere.

Sounds idyllic! Thanks for the detailed description, Stoffel.

Thanks Stoffel, you explained it really well.
Look forward to a "New Look" Bontebok. A visit is long overdue, missing the sounds of the Firey Neck Nightjar.

Does anybody know what is closed and what is open. Is it still open for day visitors for instance.

We enjoy camping there between Christmas and new year.

Hi BB

I don't know what the present situation is with "Die Stroom" day visitors area. I have never been there myself as you always had to use a separate entrance gate (from the N2) in the past. According to Bongani Mnisi (Park Manager), "Die Stroom" will also be upgraded - and I don't know whether they are busy with the upgrading. A new road (which will form part of the new road infra-structure once the new entrance gate is completed) can be seen going over the hills towards "Die Stroom". I'm talking under correction, but as far as I know "Die Stroom" has never been accessible from "inside" the park as we have known it all the years. The only entrance to this day visitors area has always only been with a separate road from the N2 (about right opposite the grain silos on the northern side of the N2).

The Lang Elsieskraal rest camp/picnic area is definitely closed for the present. And when it re-opens in May 2007 (estimated date) it will only be for overnight visitors.

But send an e-mail to Bongani Mnisi to inquire about the present day visitor facilities. He is a very nice and approachable person.

Thanks Stoffel.

We will visit Bontebock NP next September and we like to stay overnight (no camping). Will the new chalets be available? Is it possible to make reservations?

Hi

Do you mean Sept 2008? or 2007?

This is the information i have on hand here. However I'll see if i can get an update about whether or not they are on schedule.

Diannet

I mean September this year.

The information you gave me, says that work in the rest camp will be finished in Mai/June. That's fine, but where to make reservations for whatever accommodation?
We will be at least 7 people, so we need 4 rooms.

Sorry, that my reply comes late, but I was on the road...

On our way home from Tsitsikamma in January we thought we would 'pop in' to have a peek at how the New Bontebok Rest Camp was progressing.
Caravan in tow we proceded to the reception area. The road was in a shocking condition and am sure the only reason for this is that the construction vehicles that are probably causing the damage. This entance to the park is also to change so there is no point in maintaining the road.
The lady at reception was exceptionally chatty and helpful and said we could take a drive through the game area but unfortnately would not be able to even peep in at the restcamp as it was closed off Thought I could get a few photos so you could all see the development but that was not to be!)
Were advised at that stage that all seemed to be on track for opening in May, whether that is still so one would need to phone and enquire.
So looking forward to the opening and would love to fit in a long weekend before KTP in Sept.
This is definately an instance where I don't mind time flying

Just watch the availability page once a week, and look on the home page for an announcement. That should do.