The Bontebok National Park is just outside Swellendam and as we had enjoyed our visit and walk last year we returned for a repeat experience. We turned into the carpark and found a group of bontebok who didn’t seem at all disturbed to have visitors!
We walked the Aloe Trail, c.4 kms of easy walking on clear paths through the funbos, and of course the aloes, with the Breede River on side and the Langeberg Mountains as a backdrop – wonderful!

The walk passes through the Rest Camp which has a lovely view over the river – it would be good to stay here – before continuing past Lang Elsie’s house and up the hill to more wide views of the mountains.

If you looked there were lots of small flowers which I unfortunately can’t identify, apart from the pink March lilies.

Once over the hill the path leads down to the Breede River again, and then returns to the Rest Camp. The river here was full of blue water hyacinths which are very pretty but apparently a real menace.
It was only a c.4 kms walk but it was a very hot day and so it was a relief to return to the air-conditioned car!
And as we did last year we took the circular drive in the Park, over the plains above the river, in order to see the bontebok, some of which were having a ‘robust’ discussion!
And our final sighting at the end of a wonderful day…
Further information
Bontebok National Park
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