Live more
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.
Marion Island Newsletter – The Wanderer 2023 Spring Edition
The 80th Marion Island overwintering team has published their first newsletter. Content included in The Wanderer Spring Edition: Editor's Note and Message from the Team...
Gough Island Expedition 2023: Mammal Research
Featuring research teams currently on the Gough Island takeover expedition. During the annual Gough Island takeover (relief) expedition, the S.A. Agulhas II delivers...
SANAP Project: Observing Dawn in the Cosmos
A few hundred million years after the big bang, the first stars in the universe were born during a period known as cosmic dawn. This epoch is uncharted territory: the first and...
Celebrating World Maritime Day: Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future
Today marks World Maritime Day, a global commemorative day celebrated every last Thursday of September. This annual observance serves as a tribute to the indispensable maritime...
Marion Island Newsletter – The Wanderer 2023 Spring Edition
The 80th Marion Island overwintering team has published their first newsletter. Content included in The Wanderer Spring Edition: Editor's Note and Message from the Team Leader "Hello from the little swampy volcano in the Southern Indian Ocean we call home,...
Gough Island Expedition 2023: Mammal Research
Featuring research teams currently on the Gough Island takeover expedition. During the annual Gough Island takeover (relief) expedition, the S.A. Agulhas II delivers passengers and cargo to Tristan da Cunha Island, which is 350 kilometers from Gough...
SANAP Project: Observing Dawn in the Cosmos
A few hundred million years after the big bang, the first stars in the universe were born during a period known as cosmic dawn. This epoch is uncharted territory: the first and only tentative detection of cosmic dawn was reported in 2018, thus opening a new window...
Celebrating World Maritime Day: Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future
Today marks World Maritime Day, a global commemorative day celebrated every last Thursday of September. This annual observance serves as a tribute to the indispensable maritime industry and its pivotal role in connecting nations, enabling trade, and fostering economic...
Experience more
Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
