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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.
Antarctica Under Observation: Monitoring Ice Shelf Stability: Part 1 The Beginning
Monitoring Antarctic Ice Shelf Stability. Antarctic ice shelves play a critical role in controlling future sea-level rise. https://youtu.be/qNTP3RDeXXs In January 2026, an...
JOB Alert: Marion Island 2026-2027 – Closing Date 9 Feb 2026
Marion Overwintering team positions advertised. Full advertisements by DFFE
Marion 82 Newsletter now available!
The Marion 82 Overwintering Team newsletter is now available. Based on Marion Island as part of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), the Marion 82 team shares...
From Pole to Promenade: Bringing South Africa’s Polar Science to the Public
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is proud to announce a striking new science–art installation on Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade: “Pole to...
Antarctica Under Observation: Monitoring Ice Shelf Stability: Part 1 The Beginning
Monitoring Antarctic Ice Shelf Stability. Antarctic ice shelves play a critical role in controlling future sea-level rise. https://youtu.be/qNTP3RDeXXs In January 2026, an international research team began the second field campaign of Structural Glaciological...
JOB Alert: Marion Island 2026-2027 – Closing Date 9 Feb 2026
Marion Overwintering team positions advertised. Full advertisements by DFFE
Marion 82 Newsletter now available!
The Marion 82 Overwintering Team newsletter is now available. Based on Marion Island as part of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), the Marion 82 team shares a vivid snapshot of life and work on the island. This edition features a warm welcome and...
From Pole to Promenade: Bringing South Africa’s Polar Science to the Public
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is proud to announce a striking new science–art installation on Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade: “Pole to Promenade”, a public photo exhibition, alongside “Drifters: The Invisible Forest”, a vibrant mural...
Experience more
Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
