Bontebok National Park

Archived News

Expansion of facilities at Bontebok National Park

Date: 2009-02-06

During 2007 Bontebok National Park embarked on a development cycle which saw as a first stage the building of 10 new chalets and ablution facilities for campers. Now in February 2009 the next large project is getting under way – focusing on a new entrance gate and reception building, as well as the long awaited upgrade of Die Stroom day visitors facility.

The project is scheduled to run from February to November 2009, and of course means that “Die Stroom” area will be closed to all visitors with effect 9 February 2009. During this period day visitors visiting the park to swim, fish or braai on the banks of the Breede River will be accommodated at the riverside area at Lang Elsie Kraal Rest Camp.

Following the flooding in November 2008, the 11 riverside campsites have temporarily been moved to the higher level of the rest camp, leaving the riverside area available for activities without any impact on overnight visitors.

Overnight visitors and visitors entering the Park only to do game viewing will not be impacted on by the construction project at all. Please note that the Park will enforce gate quotas during this time to prevent over utilisation of the riverbank and to ensure a satisfactory experience for all our visitors. For any further information or clarity Bontebok National Park may be contacted on (028) 514 2735.

This project will also see the Park’s existing entrance gate closed towards the end of 2009, with the new main entrance to the Park being what was commonly known as the entrance to “Die Stroom” (prior to the areas incorporation into Bontebok National Park). Park management is confident that having the access gate closer to the N2 will ensure more visitors to the Park, and also makes access easier for our surrounding communities.

Visitors entering the Park are required to pay conservation fees or present a Wild Card to obtain free entry. Swellendam residents (with proof of residence) may purchase a Swellendam Wild Card which gives 12 entries to the Park, to be used within a 12 month period, for R45. A reminder of the Park’s gate times: April to August: 07:00 - 18:00 and September to March: 07:00 - 19:00.

For any queries, please contact the park via: