Bontebok National Park Recovery Update: More chalets, camping and hiking trails reopen

Travellers planning to visit Bontebok National Park will find that the park has made further progress in its recovery from the severe flooding that hit the Breede River in May 2026.

As reported previously, the flooding caused significant damage to visitor infrastructure and forced the temporary closure of the park's accommodation area. Since then, South African National Parks (SANParks) has been working to restore access and facilities - and the latest update brings some encouraging news for visitors.

More facilities are now open

Six chalets have now reopened, giving overnight visitors more accommodation options than were available immediately after the floods. The campsite has also reopened.

Three hiking trails are once again accessible:

• Aloe Hill Trail
• Acacia Trail
• Termite Trail

Bontebok National Park main access road to the accommodation area, which was almost completely destroyed by the flooding, has also been repaired. The rehabilitation included stronger reinforcement to help protect the route against future damage.

What is still closed?

Recovery work is not yet complete. Travellers should note that the following are currently unavailable:

• remaining chalets
• Bushbuck Trail
• Ou Tuin Trail
• picnic site

The total cost of repairing the flood damage is estimated at around R12.3 million.

What this means for travellers

Bontebok National Park is open and increasingly accessible, but visitors should not expect every facility to have returned to normal just yet.

For travellers planning an overnight stay or a hiking visit, the reopening of six chalets, the campsite and three trails provides considerably more options. However, if your itinerary depends on a particular chalet, trail or the picnic site, it is worth checking its current status before travelling.

The timing may also be particularly interesting for South African visitors: Bontebok National Park is included in SANParks Week 2026, with free entry available from 07 to 13 September 2026, subject to the usual terms and conditions.

We'll continue to monitor the recovery at Bontebok National Park and update this post if further accommodation, trails or visitor facilities reopen. 

 

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Bontebok National Park to reopen from 01 August 2026 after flood recovery

If you've been waiting to visit Bontebok National Park again, there's good news. South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the park will begin a phased reopening on 01 August 2026, allowing visitors to return after the severe flooding that affected the park in May 2026.

While not every facility will be available immediately, enough of the park has been restored to welcome overnight guests, campers and hikers once again.

What will be open from 01 August?

The first phase of the reopening includes several of Bontebok National Park's most popular visitor facilities:

• Six self-catering chalets
• The main camping site
• Aloe Hill Hiking Trail
• Acacia Hiking Trail
• Termite Hiking Trail

For travellers looking for a peaceful getaway in the Western Cape, this means Bontebok National Park will once again offer opportunities to enjoy its scenic landscapes, rich birdlife and easy hiking trails along the Breede River.

What remains closed?

Some areas sustained more extensive flood damage and still require rehabilitation before they can safely reopen.

These facilities will remain closed until further notice:

• Eight riverside chalets
• Die Stroom Picnic Site
• Bushbuck Trail

If you were specifically planning to stay in one of the riverside chalets or hike the Bushbuck Trail, it may be worth postponing your visit until SANParks announces the next reopening phase.

Recovery continues

According to SANParks, significant progress has been made in repairing roads, visitor infrastructure and accommodation since the May floods. Rather than delaying access until every project is complete, the park is reopening in stages as individual facilities are restored.

Additional accommodation, picnic areas and visitor experiences are expected to become available over the coming months as rehabilitation work continues.

Planning your visit

Located just outside Swellendam, Bontebok National Park is one of South Africa's smallest national parks but offers a rewarding escape for nature lovers. It's especially well known for protecting the endangered bontebok antelope, while the Breede River provides opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching and relaxing in a tranquil setting.

If you're planning a visit from August onwards, be sure to check which facilities are currently available before making your reservation, as the reopening will continue in phases and access may change as restoration work progresses.

For now, the return of camping, self-catering accommodation and several hiking trails marks a welcome milestone in Bontebok National Park's recovery—and another encouraging sign that one of the Western Cape's hidden gems is ready to welcome travellers back.

 

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Western Cape: Update on the Cape Region National Parks following the adverse weather conditions!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update on park and trail accessibility in the Cape Region National Parks, namely Bontebok National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park, and Table Mountain National Park, following adverse weather conditions experienced across the Western Cape in recent days.

Following the closure of Bontebok National Park on 13 July 2024, the National Park has since reopened its doors to day visitors. However, hiking trails remain closed at this time due to saturated trails and/or unsafe trail conditions. Access for overnight visitors is not affected.
Tankwa Karoo National Park has reopened to visitors, as the road from Ceres leading to the National Park is now accessible, following significantly reduced water levels. Routes via Sutherland and Calvinia are improving daily as the snowfall melts and are expected to be fully operational by this week. Caution is advised as some muddy spots remain.
Table Mountain National Park has temporarily closed all tented camp accommodation sites, including the Overseers Cottage, and Peoples Trail hut as several facilities experienced significant damage during the early stages of the cold front.
Temporary trail closures in Table Mountain National Park that remain in place due to rain damage include:

• Silvermine Ou Wapad trail
• Silvermine Riverwalk trail
• Cape Point overnight hiking trail
• Jonkersdam Jeep Track
• The road leading to the Overseers Cottage
• Boardwalk leading to the Slangkop tented camp is submerged in water - exercise caution.
• Sinkhole Booi Se Skerm road - Cape of Good Hope.

SANParks continues to monitor weather conditions closely and has deployed staff to access and repair damaged trails and clear fallen trees. Visitors are urged to exercise caution and avoid closed trails and roads until further notice.

South African National Parks: Annual conservation tariff increase for National Parks in South Africa's Cape Region!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the annual conservation tariff increase for National Parks in South Africa's Cape Region. The annual conservation tariffs for Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park, and West Coast National Park increased as of 01 November 2023 and will be applicable until 31 October 2024. All funds generated from conservation fees are used with the primary mandate of South African National Parks (SANParks) which is to oversee the conservation of South Africa's biodiversity, landscapes, seascapes and associated heritage assets through a system of National Parks.

Agulhas National Park
The daily conservation fees for South African citizens is set to increase from R52 to R55. Rates for South African children under 12 years old are 50% of the adult price at R27 per child. Children under two enter for free.
Visitors from Southern African Developement Community (SADC) countries will pay R110 from 01 November 2023 whilst those from all other foreign countries may expect to pay R220. The rate for children is always half the price of the adults – at R55 and R110 respectively.

Bontebok National Park
The daily conservation fees for South African citizens is set to increase from R52 to R55. Rates for South African children under 12 years old are 50% of the adult price at R27 per child. Children under two enter for free.
Visitors from SADC countries will pay R85 from 01 November 2023 whilst those from all other foreign countries may expect to pay R169. The rate for children is always half the price of the adults – at R42 and R85 respectively.

Table Mountain National Park
Please see below table of the rate increase for Table Mountain National Park sections consisting of Boulders Penguin Colony, Cape of Good Hope, Newlands, Oudekraal,  Silvermine and the Tokai Picnic and Braai Area, effective 01 November 2023:

click to enlarge

Tankwa Karoo National Park
The daily conservation fees for South African citizens is set to increase from R52 to R55. Rates for South African children under 12 years old are 50% of the adult price at R27 per child. Children under two enter for free.
Visitors from SADC countries will pay R110 from 01 November 2023 whilst those from all other foreign countries may expect to pay R220. The rate for children is always half the price of the adults – at R55 and R110, respectively.

West Coast National Park
The daily conservation fees for South African citizens will increase from R70 to R74. Rates for South African children under 12 years old are 50% of the adult price at R37 per child. Children under two enter for free.
Visitors from SADC countries will pay R116 from 01 November 2023 whilst those from all other foreign countries may also expect to pay R116. The rate for children is always half the price of the adults – at R58 respectively.
Please note that during flower season the entry fees are as follows: The daily conservation fees for South African citizens is set to increase from R104 to R110. Rates for South African children under 12 years old are 50% of the adult price at R55 per child. Children under two enter for free.
Visitors from SADC countries will pay R169 from 01 November 2023 whilst those from all other foreign countries may expect to pay R247. The rate for children is always half the price of the adults – at R85 and R124, respectively.

Bontebok National Park: Breede River Campsite temporarily closed! [update]

update (16 March 2023): The Breede River Campsite reopened today!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Breede River Campsite inside the Bontebok National Park is temporarily closed. The Breede River, which flows through the National Park, is currently overflowing and as a result, taking the visitor's safety into account, SANParks has decided to close the campsite adjacent to the river bank. The Breede River Campsite is expected to reopen on 16 March 2023. Guests who have booked a spot at the campsite during this period can be accommodated in the Lang Elsies Kraal camping area, or reschedule their stay with SANParks. We'll keep you posted!

The Bontebok National Park in South Africa's Western Cape is the country's smallest National Park. The park is located 6 km south of Swellendam, in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains.

Bontebok National Park: Road maintenance during March 2023!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the road between the new office building and Lang Elsies Kraal Rest Camp in the Bontebok National Park will have a stop & go system in place due to road maintenance. The work is being carried out between 07 March 2023 and 31 March 2023.
The Bontebok National Park in South Africa's Western Cape is the country's smallest National Park. The park is located 6 km south of Swellendam, in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains.

South Africa: Annual conservation tariff increase for National Parks in the Cape Region!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the annual conservation tariff increase for National Parks in South Africa's Cape Region. The annual conservation tariffs for Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park, and West Coast National Park increased as of 01 November 2022 and will be applicable until 31 October 2023. All funds generated from conservation fees are used with the primary mandate of South African National Parks (SANParks) which is to oversee the conservation of South Africa's biodiversity, landscapes, seascapes and associated heritage assets through a system of National Parks.

click to enlarge

South Africa: Annual conservation tariff increase for National Parks in the Cape Region!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the annual tariff increase for Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park and West Coast National Park as of 01 November 2020. All funds generated from conservation fees are used with the primary mandate of South African National Parks (SANParks) which is to oversee the conservation of South Africa's biodiversity, landscapes, seascapes and associated heritage assets through a system of National Parks.

Agulhas National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R192
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R96
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R48
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R24
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R96
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R48 

Bontebok National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R140
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R70
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R48
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R24
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R70
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R35

Table Mountain National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020 - Boulders

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R170
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R85
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R40
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R20
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R85
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R42

Table Mountain National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020 - Cape of Good Hope

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R340
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R170
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R85
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R40
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R170
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R85
  

Table Mountain National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020 - Newlands [Additionally: R25 per vehicle]

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R140
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R70
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R35
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R15
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R70
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R35

Table Mountain National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020 - Oudekral

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R140
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R70
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R35
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R15
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R70
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R35 

Table Mountain National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020 - Silvermine

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R140
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R70
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R35
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R15
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R70
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R35

Table Mountain National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020 - Tokai Picnic & Braai area [Additionally: R25 per vehicle]

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R140
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R70
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R35
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R15
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R70
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R35

Tankwa Karoo National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R192
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R96
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R48
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R24
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R96
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R48

West Coast National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R100
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R50
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R66
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R33
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R100
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R50

West Coast National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2020 (Flower Season August - September):

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R210
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R105
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R94
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R47
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R144
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R72

Please note that the standard rate is automatically applied to all visitors at the gate. To claim/qualify for the local rate, South Africans over 18 years of age must provide Original Proof of South African ID on arrival at the gate. No refunds will be provided after entering through the gate if the SA rate was not claimed and billed for on arrival.

* Children under two years of age enter the park for free.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing Bontebok National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing Bontebok National Park in South Africa's Western Cape. Established in 1931 to ensure the preservation of the Bontebok, the smallest of South Africa's 19 National Parks is today home to about 200 Bonteboks and a variety of other indigenous species such as Grey Rhebok, Cape Grysbok, Duiker, Red Hartebeest and Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as Stanley's bustard, Secretary bird and the Blue crane.

Bontebok National Park is is situated 6 km south from the picturesque and historic town of Swellendam, in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. The National Park is easily accessible from the N2 that runs from Cape Town (approx. 240km) along the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth (approx. 540 km). Due to its small size of about 3 900 ha visitors can drive around the whole the National Park in a few hours. The present road network provides two major game drive loops that can be completed in 1-2 hours respectively, depending on game viewing stops. Lang Elsie's Kraal Rest Camp is the only rest camp in Bontebok National Park. It is the first rest camp in South African National Parks to be built according to a "Touching the Earth Lightly" design and provides accommodation in either self catering chalets or cottages. There are braai facilities and guests are able to picnic on the banks of the Breede River.

Annual conservation tariff increase for National Parks in South Africa's Cape Region!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the annual tariff increase for Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park and West Coast National Park as of 1 November 2019. All funds generated from conservation fees are used with the primary mandate of South African National Parks (SANParks) which is to oversee the conservation of South Africa's biodiversity, landscapes, seascapes and associated heritage assets through a system of National Parks.

Agulhas National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2019:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R184
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R92
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R46
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R23
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R92
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R46

Bontebok National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2019:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R132
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R61
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R46
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R23
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R66
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R33

Table Mountain National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2019:

Please see below table of the rate increase for Table Mountain National Park sections consisting of Boulders Penguin Colony; Cape of Good Hope; Newlands; Oudekraal; Perdekloof; Silvermine and the Tokai Picnic and Braai Area:

-- click to enlarge --
src.: SANParks

Tankwa Karoo National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2019:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R184
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R92
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R46
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R23
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R92
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R46

West Coast National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2019:

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R96
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R48
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R64
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R32
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R96
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R48

West Coast National Park daily conservation fees as of 01 November 2019 (Flower Season):

• Standard conservation fee - adults: R198
• Standard conservation fee - children under 12 years old*: R94
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - adults: R90
• Citizens of South Africa (with a valid SA identification document) - children under 12 years old*: R45
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - adults: R136
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals (with passport) - children under 12 years old*: R68

Please note that the standard rate is automatically applied to all visitors at the gate. To claim/qualify for the local rate, South Africans over 18 years of age must provide Original Proof of South African ID on arrival at the gate. No refunds will be provided after entering through the gate if the SA rate was not claimed and billed for on arrival.

* Children under two years of age enter the park for free.

Bontebok National Park: Popular Riverside Camp back open after 3 years

The popular Riverside Campsite in the Bontebok National Park, which is situated about 6km from the picturesque and historic town of Swellendam and about 240km from Cape Town, is back open for visitors. The campsite was closed since 2008 due to the flooding of the Breede River passing through the camp. The site will now be opening seasonally for six months of every year from November to April.
Each camp sleeps six, starting at a base rate (for two adults) of R180 per night. Additional adults are charged R58 per person per night, and R29 per child per night. Visitors must bring their own camping gear, and please note that no caravans are allowed on these specific sites. Please visit SANPark's Bontebok National Park websites for more info!