Swellendam - Bontebok National Park

The original habitat of the bontebok, a species of antelope (Damaliscus dorcas dorcas), was the 56km/35mi wide plain between the Bot River in the west and Mossel Bay in the east. Until the end of the 18th C this area was grazed by great herds of bontebok, which in the course of the 19th C were reduced to a few dozen. The Bontebok National Park (area 3,226 ha/7,968ac) 7km/4.5mi southeast of Swellendam, was established to protect them, and since 1961 their numbers have risen from 60 to more than 300. At excellent place from which to observe them is Lang Elsieskraal, an old Khoikhoi encampment.

Among other animals in the park are rheboks, mountain zebras, dwarf antelopes and gray duikers. There are also 192 species of birds. As for flora, the park has over 470 species of plants, which in spring produce a brilliant show of color.

The Breede River, which flows through the National Park, is a good fishing stream. Visitors can observe the wild life from their car, and there are two short hiking trails. For day visitors there are picnic areas; for those who want to stay longer there is only a camping site.