Bontebok National Park

Western Cape


Some 6km south of Swellendam is this national park, proclaimed in 1931 to save the remaining 30 bontebok. The project was successful, and bontebok as well as other antelope and mountain zebras can be found in this smallest of South Africa’s national parks. The fynbos that flowers in late winter and spring, rare renosterveld (scrubby plants including the grey-coloured renosterbos, or rhinoceros bush) and an abundance of birdlife are features of the park. Swimming is possible in the Breede River.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Cape attractions

1. Dutch Reformed Church

3 MILES

Swellendam residents swear every visitor takes a photograph of this wedding-cake-like church in the centre of town.

2. Drostdy Museum

3.01 MILES

The centrepiece of this excellent museum is the beautiful drostdy (residence of an official) itself, which dates from 1747. The museum ticket also covers…

3. Mayville

3.05 MILES

This residence, dating back to 1853, has a formal Victorian garden. It is part of the Drostdy Museum, and entrance is included with the museum ticket…

4. Old Gaol

3.08 MILES

Part of the Drostdy Museum, you’ll find part of the original administrative buildings and a watermill here. Entrance included in the museum's ticket price…

5. Marloth Nature Reserve

4.2 MILES

Perched in the Langeberge, 1.5km north of town, this reserve is particularly pretty in October and November when the ericas are in flower. If the day…

6. Joubert-Tradauw

13.21 MILES

West of Barrydale, Joubert-Tradauw is a charming spot for some boutique wine tasting and a light lunch from its small menu of salads, platters and burgers.

7. Barrydale Cellar

19.15 MILES

Although it looks like a characterless industrial cellar from the roadside, the tasting room and restaurant on the river bank are actually quite charming…

8. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

22.12 MILES

A Big Five reserve in the Little Karoo, 18km west of Barrydale, with wildlife activities for those staying in its three ultra-luxurious lodges.

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