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Vessels & Stations.
S.A. Agulhas II
S.A. Agulhas II is a South African ice breaking polar supply and research ship owned by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
SANAE IV
The first South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) departed in 1959.
Marion Island
The Marion base is used mainly for environmental/biological research, and weather data collection.
Gough Island
South Africa has been operating a weather station on Gough Island since 1956.
SANAE IV
SANAE IVExplore more
Expeditions &
Operations.
Voyages to Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island take place annually to replenish supplies and exchange personnel.
Team Structure.
Supplies.
The Voyage.
Living at the Station.
Learn more
Discover.
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) consists of three stations, countless research projects, and a history of dedicated team members.
Team Photos.
Research.
Newsletters.
Legacy.
What’s happening
Latest News.
International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 – Acting locally for global impact
On 22 May each year, the world celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), commemorating the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The...
Minister Aucamp on Marion Island 19 May 2026
Following an interview with Afrikaans radio station RSG on 19 May 2026, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, confirmed that the...
Join the Gough 72 Overwintering Team
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invites suitably qualified South Africans to apply for positions in the Gough 72 Overwintering Team at Gough Island....
S.A. Agulhas II departure to Marion Island delayed due to fuel logistics
MEDIA RELEASE 09 May 2026 The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, confirms that the departure of the SA Agulhas II relief voyage to Marion Island has been...
International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 – Acting locally for global impact
On 22 May each year, the world celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), commemorating the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The day serves as an important reminder that biodiversity underpins all life on Earth — yet it...
Minister Aucamp on Marion Island 19 May 2026
Following an interview with Afrikaans radio station RSG on 19 May 2026, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, confirmed that the current overwintering team stationed on Marion Island will be evacuated and returned to South...
Join the Gough 72 Overwintering Team
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invites suitably qualified South Africans to apply for positions in the Gough 72 Overwintering Team at Gough Island. Successful candidates will form part of the 2026/2027 overwintering team and will spend...
S.A. Agulhas II departure to Marion Island delayed due to fuel logistics
MEDIA RELEASE 09 May 2026 The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, confirms that the departure of the SA Agulhas II relief voyage to Marion Island has been delayed. The delay is primarily due to the global scarcity of fuel products linked to ongoing...
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Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
