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.
Antbear / Aardvark
Black-footed Cat
Cape Grysbok
Common Duiker
Grey Rhebuck
Striped Polecat
References and further reading
Wild Issue 29 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 6Wild Issue 32 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 75
Wild Issue 41 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 24
Wild Issue 45 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 14
Wild Issue 11 - Author: - Published: 2010 - Page: 9
Wild Issue 13 - Author: - Published: 2010 - Page: 62
Wild Issue 20 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 22
Wild Issue 23 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 40
Wild Issue 26 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 70
Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 78
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 383
The National Parks of South Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Rene Gordon and Anthony Bannister - Published: 1987 - Page: 91
The Overberg Explorer - 2nd edition - Author: Ann & Mike Scott - Published: 2001 - Page: 170
The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 219
On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 66
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 214
Stuarts Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd ed - Author: Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Published: 2018 - Page: 193
Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 68
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 319
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 59
go! - Issue 135 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 39
Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 206
Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 208
Country Life - Issue 228 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 67
Country Life - Issue 246 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 6
Essential Birding: Western South Africa - Author: Callan Cohen and Claire Spottiswoode - Published: 2000 - Page: 68
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 94
Country Life - Issue 177 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 58
Birds of the Southwestern Cape and Where to Watch Them - Author: W. Peterson and M. Tripp - Published: 1995 - Page: 202
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 216
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 38
A - Z of South African National Parks - Author: South African National Parks - Published: 0 - Page: 14
SANParks Bontebok National Park
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