- Posted by: Landia Davies
- September 4, 2007, 8:47 am
We recently took a leisurely drive through Bontebok National Park and were pleasantly surprised by how close we managed to get to the various kinds of wild animals and birds in the bush.
The Bontebok National Park is situated near the historic town of Swellendam, about two hours drive out of Cape Town. This nature lovers get away actually lies half way between George and Cape Town so you can rent a car in either and drive down for a relaxing few days of game watching, walking and lazing in the African sun beside the Breede river.
In South Africa locals refer to buck as bokkies sometimes. Funnily enough ladies are sometimes also called bokkies. So our outing on the Garden Route was a thoroughly South African bokkie day trip, being three bokkies driving amongst the bokkies in our dusty city Toyota.
On this mini African safari at the foot of the Langeberg mountain range you can either camp in a tent or camper van or caravan inside the Bontebok Nature Reserve with the wildlife or soon you’ll be able to rent a newly renovated cabin. Or if your nature cravings have been satisfied you can hop in your vehicle and head for Swellendam town, which is packed with quaint guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Early morning and late evening are the best times for watching the birds and herbivores roaming about in the flower dotted veld. You can get very close to the abundant Bontebok, Grey Rhebok and Mountain Zebras. We even spotted a huge secretary bird perched in an acacia tree right beside the road and a red-faced Mousebird whilst walking next to the river. Other than taking in the splendours of nature and exploring the park by car, you can choose from outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or angling in the Bontebok park.
The Bontebok National Park has few small predators that are not dangerous, so it is safe and easy to unwind in the idyllic rest area beside the Breede river. The kids loved this nature outing, especially the outdoor playground, making it a top destination as an affordable stopover on family holidays and short road trips along the scenic Garden Route of South Africa.
Some useful links:
Bontebok National Park: South African Nature Reserves- Bontebok Nature Reserve and South African National Parks- Bontebok National Park
Swellendam: Official site of Swellendam Tourism and this network page for information about Swellendam.
Other South African destinations: The Kruger National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park and the Cederberg Wilderness Area.
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About the Author
Landia Davies has recently joined Africa Travel Guide as the new online editor. A nature lover and passionate traveler she loves exploring and is always looking for new adventures. Landia hopes to become a highly accomplished travel writer and knowledgeable vagabond. Growing up on the coast of South Africa, she enjoys the outdoors and soaking up local culture.
