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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 Environment Day 2026: Climate Action Starts with Understanding Our Planet
Today, 5 June 2026, the world celebrates World Environment Day, the United Nations' largest global platform for environmental awareness and action. This year's theme, Climate...
Environment Month 2026: Understanding Our changing planet through Polar Sciences
June is recognised as Environment Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our natural world and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to...
Welcome Home, Marion 82 OverwinteringTeam
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) proudly welcomed home the Marion 82 (M82) overwintering team, who arrived back in Cape Town on 27 May 2026 after spending...
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...
World Environment Day 2026: Climate Action Starts with Understanding Our Planet
Today, 5 June 2026, the world celebrates World Environment Day, the United Nations' largest global platform for environmental awareness and action. This year's theme, Climate Action, focuses on the urgent signals coming from our planet, the transition towards cleaner...
Environment Month 2026: Understanding Our changing planet through Polar Sciences
June is recognised as Environment Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our natural world and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. The month culminates in World Environment Day on 5 June, a global initiative led by...
Welcome Home, Marion 82 OverwinteringTeam
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) proudly welcomed home the Marion 82 (M82) overwintering team, who arrived back in Cape Town on 27 May 2026 after spending more than a year on Marion Island. The dedicated base team ensured the smooth operation of...
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...
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Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
