After being hit by severe flooding earlier this year, Bontebok National Park near Swellendam has reopened parts of the park to visitors, giving travellers the chance to return while rehabilitation work continues.
Photo: Pexels
The Western Cape park suffered an estimated R12.3 million in damage when the Breede River burst its banks in May, forcing the evacuation of guests and leaving several facilities badly affected.
According to SANParks, the first phase of the park’s reopening includes six self-catering chalets, the campsite and three hiking trails: the Aloe Hill, Acacia and Termite trails.
The main access road leading to the accommodation area, which was nearly destroyed by the floodwaters, has also been repaired and strengthened.
What is open at Bontebok National Park?
For visitors planning a trip to Bontebok National Park, the reopening means there are already several ways to spend a few days in this scenic corner of the Western Cape.
The six reopened self-catering chalets provide accommodation within the park, while the campsite is also welcoming visitors again. Three hiking trails – Aloe Hill, Acacia and Termite – are accessible, offering an opportunity to get out on foot and enjoy the park’s landscape.
The reopening follows extensive rehabilitation work after the Breede River rose rapidly during the floods.
‘Given the rate at which the river rose, the team had to act quickly to safely evacuate guests and save some of the park’s furnishings,’ said Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier.
More facilities are still closed
While parts of Bontebok National Park are now open, rehabilitation work is far from finished.
The remaining chalets, as well as the Bushbuck and Ou Tuin hiking trails and the picnic site, remain closed while repairs continue.
SANParks initially announced that the park would reopen in phases from 1 August, with the six chalets, campsite and three hiking trails forming the first stage.
For travellers looking for a nature break near Swellendam, however, there is already plenty of reason to return. As restoration work continues, visitors can once again stay in the park, head out on its reopened trails and support the gradual recovery of one of the Western Cape’s protected areas.
Minister Maynier has also encouraged visitors to return, describing the park as well worth a visit while rehabilitation continues.
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