4th GEOTRACES Summer School Hosted in Cape Town Strengthens Global Collaboration in Marine Trace Metal Research

The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is proud to highlight the successful hosting of the...

Call for Abstracts Now Open for the 12th SCAR Open Science Conference – Deadline 28 February 2026

The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is pleased to share an exciting update from the...

Celebrating International Antarctica Day – 1 December

Honouring South Africa’s Place in the Antarctic Treaty and Our Shared Polar Heritage Every year on 1...

7th SANAP Research Symposium: Where Minds Met Beneath the African Sky

16–19 November | Kwalata Game Lodge, North West Province The 7th South Africa National Antarctic Programme...

SCAR Medal Awards: Nominations open

Recognising Excellence in Antarctic Research and Service The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research...

7th SANAP Research Symposium: Where Minds Meet Beneath the African Sky

At the edge of the Earth lies a mirror of our planet — a place where ice tells the story of climate, oceans,...

Welcome Home, Gough 70 Overwintering Team!

After more than a year on the remote and rugged shores of Gough Island, the Gough 70 Overwintering Team has...

Maritime Month

October marks the celebration of Maritime Month, a time when nations across the world reflect on the vital...

SANSA: Volunteer position for relief voyage to SANAE IV, Antarctica

Programme: Space Science: Volunteer  This is a unique opportunity for individuals with a scientific...

World Maritime Day 2025: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity

On 25 September 2025, the world comes together to mark World Maritime Day under the theme “Our Ocean, Our...

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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

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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.

Locations of Operations.

Cape Town SANAE IV Marion IslandGough Island

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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.

Team Photos.

Browse our team photo libraries for SANAE, Marion Island and Gough Island.

Research.

As a biodiversity hotspot, scientific activities in Antarctica, the islands and the Southern Ocean have never been more exciting.

Newsletters.

The latest newsletters from SANAE, Marion Island and Gough Island. 

Legacy.

The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) manages three stations.

What’s happening

Latest News.

World Maritime Day 2025: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity

World Maritime Day 2025: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity

Through SANAP’s work, South Africa plays an active role in the international maritime and research community—advancing knowledge about ocean systems, contributing to global climate models, and strengthening collective efforts to safeguard marine environments. The SA Agulhas II is more than just a ship; it is a floating laboratory, a logistical lifeline, and a symbol of our commitment to “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”

read more

World Maritime Day 2025: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity

Through SANAP’s work, South Africa plays an active role in the international maritime and research community—advancing knowledge about ocean systems, contributing to global climate models, and strengthening collective efforts to safeguard marine environments. The SA Agulhas II is more than just a ship; it is a floating laboratory, a logistical lifeline, and a symbol of our commitment to “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”

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Videos.

Visit the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa’s YouTube channel for videos and insights from their work in the Antarctic region.

TEL: +27 (0)21 405 9400
Physical Address

East Pier Shed, East Pier Lane,
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town,
South Africa

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