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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.
Happy Midwinter 2026
As the Antarctic winter reaches its midpoint and the winter solstice marks the longest night of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, the South African National Antarctic...
World Albatross Day: 19 June 2026
Every year on 19 June, World Albatross Day raises awareness of one of the world's most remarkable seabird groups and the challenges they face in an increasingly changing...
Save the Date: Belmont Forum Polar Scoping Workshop – 25 June 2026
The National Research Foundation (NRF), together with the Belmont Forum, invites members of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean related research communities to participate in the...
World Oceans Day 2026: The Southern Ocean’s Role in a Healthy Plane
On 8 June, the global community celebrates World Oceans Day, recognising the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. Oceans regulate climate, produce much of the...
Happy Midwinter 2026
As the Antarctic winter reaches its midpoint and the winter solstice marks the longest night of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) joins the international polar community in celebrating Midwinter – one of the...
World Albatross Day: 19 June 2026
Every year on 19 June, World Albatross Day raises awareness of one of the world's most remarkable seabird groups and the challenges they face in an increasingly changing environment. With their extraordinary wingspans, ocean-crossing migrations and critical role in...
Save the Date: Belmont Forum Polar Scoping Workshop – 25 June 2026
The National Research Foundation (NRF), together with the Belmont Forum, invites members of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean related research communities to participate in the upcoming Belmont Forum Polar Scoping Workshop. The workshop will take place on 25 June 2026...
World Oceans Day 2026: The Southern Ocean’s Role in a Healthy Plane
On 8 June, the global community celebrates World Oceans Day, recognising the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. Oceans regulate climate, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide, support biodiversity, and provide food and...
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Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
