Bontebok National Park, the small SANParks reserve near Swellendam, has partially reopened after severe flooding in May inflicted about R12.3 million in damage, SANParks reported on Thursday.
Phased return for visitors
The park’s first phase of reopening includes six self-catering chalets, the campsite and three hiking trails — the Aloe Hill, Acacia and Termite routes — which are now accessible to visitors, SANParks said.
SANParks added that the main access road to the accommodation area, which was almost destroyed when the Breede River burst its banks, has been repaired and strengthened to restore safe entry for guests and staff.
“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,”
The comment came from Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier, who has urged visitors to return while restoration work continues, saying the reserve “is well worth a visit to this beautiful part of the Western Cape”.
Facilities still offline as work continues
Despite the reopening, SANParks cautioned that several facilities remain closed while ongoing repairs are carried out. These include the remaining chalets, the Bushbuck and Ou Tuin hiking trails and the picnic site. SANParks had announced a phased reopening from 1 August, with the current openings forming the first tranche.
The damage bill of R12.3 million reflects costs to infrastructure, accommodation and visitor services after floodwaters overwhelmed sections of the reserve. SANParks did not provide a detailed line-item breakdown in the notice reported by Cape Town Etc.
Implications for local tourism and conservation
Bontebok National Park is a key attraction in the Overberg tourism circuit, popular for short stays and day visits from Cape Town and surrounding towns. Partial reopening restores some tourism activity and revenue for the park and its suppliers, but full recovery will depend on completing repairs to accommodation, picnic facilities and the remaining trail network.
Rehabilitation work in small reserves requires careful scheduling: contractors and park staff must stabilise riverbanks, repair roads and ensure trails are safe for hikers, while protecting wetlands and habitat that were affected by the floods.
- What is open: six self-catering chalets, campsite, Aloe Hill, Acacia and Termite trails.
- What remains closed: other chalets, Bushbuck and Ou Tuin trails, picnic site.
- Cost of damage: R12.3 million (as reported by SANParks).
Practical information for visitors
Visitors planning trips to Bontebok should check SANParks’ website or contact the reserve directly for the latest information on availability and safety restrictions. Road repairs within the park have been prioritised, but conditions on minor access roads leading to the reserve can still be variable after flood events.
Sanitation, power and water services were not detailed in SANParks’ statement; prospective campers and cottage guests should confirm amenities before travelling. Local accommodation providers in Swellendam and nearby towns may also update availability as the full reopening progresses.
Background: floods and wider damage
The Breede River overflowed in May, causing widespread damage in parts of the Overberg and prompting emergency responses from local authorities and national agencies. Earlier reports have set the broader road and infrastructure damage across the Western Cape in the hundreds of millions, although SANParks’ R12.3 million figure applies specifically to Bontebok National Park.
Park managers face the dual task of repairing visitor infrastructure and addressing ecological impacts. Small reserves such as Bontebok are vulnerable to extreme weather events, and their recovery can be a bellwether for resilience planning in the region.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Self-catering chalets (six) | Open |
| Campsite | Open |
| Aloe Hill, Acacia, Termite trails | Open |
| Remaining chalets | Closed (under repair) |
| Bushbuck, Ou Tuin trails | Closed |
| Picnic site | Closed |
For now, SANParks is encouraging visitors to return where it is safe to do so while continuing rehabilitation. The phased approach aims to balance visitor access, revenue recovery and ongoing safety and conservation work in the aftermath of the floods.
— Reported according to SANParks and Cape Town Etc; further enquiries should be directed to SANParks’ official channels for confirmations and booking updates.
