18 December 2020 (cont.)
After an exhilarating day on the road, traversing no less than four different mountain passes including the famous Swartberg Pass, it was good to arrive at the Bontebok National Park outside Swellendam in the Western Cape. It’s just a short drive from the reception office to the Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp.
The renosterveld plains of the Bontebok National Park, with the Langeberge in the background
Sugarbush (Protea repens) at Bontebok National Park
Bitter Aloe (photo by Joubert)
Pin-tailed Whydah male (photo by Joubert)
Greater Striped Swallows swooping over the lawns of the camp (photo by Joubert)
Cape Wagtail welcoming us to our chalet (photo by Joubert)
Tortoises are common in Bontebok National Park – this one being a Leopard Tortoise seen at the reception building
Female Malachite Sunbird
Cape Bulbul hoping for a handout (which didn’t come)
With our chalet overlooking the serenity of the Breede River and the sunset beyond, the day came to a fitting close.
The entrance to Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp in the Bontebok National Park
Chalet #7 at Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp in the Bontebok National Park
Chalet #7 at Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp in the Bontebok National Park
Sunset over the Breede River, seen from Chalet #7 at Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp in the Bontebok National Park
If you’d like to learn more about the Bontebok National Park, have a read through this special feature we published after a previous visit. For more about the beautiful Bontebok antelope, read here.
Map of Bontebok National Park, from a brochure published by SANParks
DeWetsWild 
We have only ever driven past on our way to somewhere else, but your post most effectively persuades me that next time we will stop and stay there!
You’ll definitely not be sorry, Carol. Bontebok is small, but it has a lot to offer.
I like that sugarbush shot. It’s pretty and I think really nicely composed.
That’s so kind of you, thanks PJB!
Bontebok, a name to remember and put on a list!
That’s definitely the case, Hien. Bontebok may be small, and not as well known as some of our other national parks, but it really is a little treasure.
Now you have already whetted my appetite to return to Bontebok … it has been far too long!
I’m sure they’ll be happy to welcome you back, Anne!
The expressive Cape Bulbul is so cute. 🙂 Some beautiful scenery there. I’m looking forward to seeing more.
janet
Bontebok National Park is a great example of dynamite in a small package – I’m sure you’ll enjoy the next few posts we have lined up about our time there, Janet.
Very nice area! I’d love to have a cabin like that one in the mountain. Great sunset! Thank you, D. 🙂
Isn’t a cabin the mountains, or any other wild place really, just such a wonderful dream to work towards!?
It definitely is! 🙂
What a great series, Dries. Thoroughly enjoyed this mix of images. 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that, thank you Jane!
You passed on that adorable little Cape Bulbul? I’d have been such an easy mark.
You’re such a kind-hearted person, Lois!
A diverse series of photos!
That’s all thanks to the diversity to be enjoyed in this Park!