The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Bontebok National Park
Afrikaans name: Bontebok Nasionale Park
Bontebok National Park
Photo © Duncan Noakes - Fotolia.com
Western Cape
In 1931 the number of Bontebok left was perilously low and it looked like this beautiful antelope may face extinction. The initial population of the reserve, which was located in a different area, was just 17.
During the 1960's the population had increased but they started declining because of worms and mineral deficiencies. A new location was found for the park was found and it was populated with 61 animals. Today the worldwide population is close to 3,000. Only 200 of these are kept in the Bontebok National Park.
Other mammals to be seen in the park include Grey Rhebok, Cape Grysbok, Cape Mountain Zebra and Red Hartebeest. The bird checklist is over 200 species. Here is a bird checklist.
Accommodation options are chalets at Lang Elsie's Kraal Rest Camp and caravan and camping sites near the Breede River. One can also stay in the town of Swellendam which is only 6 km away.
Checklist of some of the birds to be seen at Bontebok National Park
Mammals of Bontebok National Park
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Aardwolf
Antbear / Aardvark
Black-footed Cat
Cape Clawless Otter
Cape Grysbok
Cape Hare
Common Duiker
Grey Rhebuck
Striped Polecat
References and further reading
A - Z of South African National Parks - Author: South African National Parks - Year Published: - Page: 14Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Year Published: 2006 - Page: 38
Chris and Tilde Stuart's Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 216
Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 94
Country Life - Issue 177 - Author: - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 58
Country Life - Issue 228 - Author: - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 67
Country Life - Issue 246 - Author: - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 6
Essential Birding: Western South Africa - Author: Callan Cohen and Claire Spottiswoode - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 68
go! - Issue 135 - Author: - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 39
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 59
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 214
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 206
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 208
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 319
The National Parks of South Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Rene Gordon and Anthony Bannister - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 91
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 383
Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 78
Wild Issue 20 - Author: - Year Published: 2012 - Page: 22
Wild Issue 29 - Author: - Year Published: 2014 - Page: 6
Wild Issue 32 - Author: - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 75