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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.
World Wildlife Day – 3 March: Celebrating and Protecting Life at the Edge of the Earth
Every year on 3 March, the world celebrates World Wildlife Day, recognising the extraordinary diversity of life and the need to conserve it. For South Africa, this commitment...
Save the date: Workshops to update the Marine Research Plan and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research Plan
26 February 2026 Save the date: Workshops to update the Marine Research Plan and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research Plan Dear Members of the Marine and Antarctic Research...
Antarctica: Takeover Season 2025–2026
From December 2025 to February 2026, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) embarks on its annual takeover voyage to relieve and resupply SANAE IV in Queen Maud...
Antarctica Under Observation: Monitoring Ice Shelf Stability – Part 3
The End: From Field Data to Global Impact By early February 2026, the SANAP field campaign entered its final phase, completing measurements and preparing for extraction...
World Wildlife Day – 3 March: Celebrating and Protecting Life at the Edge of the Earth
Every year on 3 March, the world celebrates World Wildlife Day, recognising the extraordinary diversity of life and the need to conserve it. For South Africa, this commitment extends far beyond the mainland — to the remote sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions where...
Save the date: Workshops to update the Marine Research Plan and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research Plan
26 February 2026 Save the date: Workshops to update the Marine Research Plan and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research Plan Dear Members of the Marine and Antarctic Research Community The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, together with the National...
Antarctica: Takeover Season 2025–2026
From December 2025 to February 2026, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) embarks on its annual takeover voyage to relieve and resupply SANAE IV in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. This critical mission ensures a seamless transition between overwintering...
Antarctica Under Observation: Monitoring Ice Shelf Stability – Part 3
The End: From Field Data to Global Impact By early February 2026, the SANAP field campaign entered its final phase, completing measurements and preparing for extraction ahead of worsening weather. Temporary GNSS stations along the calving front were recovered,...
Experience more
Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
