Rehabilitation work at Bontebok National Park is progressing well after floods damaged the area earlier this year. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier, visited the park on Saturday for a briefing on its recovery efforts. Maynier stated, "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 rapid emergency response is a real credit to the entire management team." He added, "While there is still much work to be done, the park is open and is well worth a visit to this beautiful part of the Western Cape." The Minister's visit showed the government's commitment to restoring the park's natural beauty and infrastructure for both local and international visitors.
Damage and Initial Response
Bontebok National Park sustained severe damage to some of its chalets and picnic sites, as well as the main access road to the accommodation area, following severe flooding of the Breede River in the Western Cape in May 2026. The high water levels caused considerable disruption across the park's infrastructure, impacting various visitor facilities and essential routes. The rehabilitation project has since focused on critical repairs to address the extensive damage. The main access road, which was a key component of the damage, has been repaired and strengthened. This reconstruction was completed in what officials described as record time, enhancing its resilience against future environmental challenges and ensuring safer passage for park visitors. The repairs are part of broader efforts to restore full functionality and safety to the park's facilities, ensuring its long-term viability as a premier natural attraction.
Reopening and Ongoing Work
Six of Bontebok National Park’s chalets have now been reopened to the public following flood damage, allowing visitors to once again enjoy overnight stays. The park’s campsite has also resumed operations, providing additional accommodation options. Three popular hiking trails — Aloe Hill, Acacia, and Termite — are now accessible, inviting nature enthusiasts to explore the park's diverse landscapes. These areas are now accessible as rehabilitation efforts continue across the park, demonstrating significant progress in the recovery phase.
Work is presently underway to repair the remaining chalets that sustained damage during the floods, aiming to bring more accommodation units back online. Additionally, two hiking trails, Bushbuck and Ou Tuin, are undergoing repairs to ensure their safety and navigability for hikers. The park's picnic site is also part of the ongoing restoration project, with teams working diligently to restore its full functionality for visitors seeking outdoor leisure. These ongoing efforts highlight the full nature of the rehabilitation project, addressing various aspects of the park's infrastructure and visitor experience.
Minister's Visit and Outlook
Repairs to flood damage at Bontebok National Park are expected to cost R12.3 million. This figure encompasses the extensive work required to restore damaged infrastructure and facilities following the flooding of the Breede River in May 2026. The park experienced significant disruptions, affecting chalets, picnic sites, and its main access road, all of which require substantial investment for repair and reinforcement.
In addition to structural repairs, park teams have also cleared debris carried by the floodwaters from the accommodation area. This clean-up operation was a key step in ensuring the safety and accessibility of the visitor facilities, removing hazards and restoring the aesthetic appeal of key areas. The ongoing rehabilitation efforts aim to return the park to full operational capacity, reinforcing its resilience against future environmental events and ensuring its continued role as a vital conservation area and tourist destination in the Western Cape. The progress made to date reflects the dedication of the park management and staff in overcoming the challenges posed by the severe flooding.
