This is a species-specific national park. It was established in 1961 to ensure the preservation of the bontebok. It is the smallest of South Africa's national parks, covering an area of 27.86 km². The park is part of the Cape Floristic Region, which is a World Heritage Site.

The park is located 6 km South of Swellendam, in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. It is bordered to the South by the Breede River.
Bonteboks are rare, unusually marked antelopes. They are listed as vulnerable in Appendix II of the International Trade in Endangered Species Red List.

Other conservation at the park includes the protection of the endangered fynbos veld type and the coastal renosterveld, one of the largest remaining "renosterveld islands", which contains several plant species that are found nowhere else in the world. In total, the park has nearly 500 grasses and other plant species.

Other indigenous species at the park include the clawless otter, Stanley's bustard and the blue crane (South Africa's national bird). Rheboks, Cape Grysboks, duikers, red hartebeests and mountain zebras can also be found there. There are over 200 bird species.

The park has six-berth combination caravan/chalets (Chalavan), each with wooden anteroom, basic kitchen equipment and communal ablution facilities. All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.

Camping and Caravan sites are located close to the Breede River. A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one auto villa or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site.