Witsand Nature Reserve is one of the most picturesque eco-destinations in the Northern Cape. The Witsand Nature Reserve is a beautiful park that is filled with birdlife, including the Namaqua Sandgrouse, the Social Weaver, and the Pygmy Falcon, Africa’s tiniest raptor.
Only we can provide you with the sensual, flowing white dunes that range in height from twenty to sixty meters and are flanked by the Langberg Mountain range, copper-red Kalahari sand, and Acacia trees.
Because it was one of the area’s few dependable supplies of permanent water, Witsand has been the center of human activity since the beginning of time. Many Stone Age sites have been discovered by archaeologists, representing the shifting lifestyles through many thousands of years.
Accommodation at Witsand Nature Reserve:
There are 10 luxurious self-catering chalets (one with disabled accessibility), bungalows that may house up to 2 people and 1 under-12-year-old, group lodging, and caravan and camping sites. There are also 2 campsites with their own private ablution. We feature a conference room (with catering available upon request), a bird hide, a kiosk, dune boards, and swimming pools. Also, there is a 3.2 km long, 43 plant species long Botanical Meander that is signposted in 5 different languages. Visitors are also allowed to walk through the entire reserve at their leisure.
Day Visitors
36 persons can fit at the picnic areas.
Six persons at most per location.
The lapa can be rented daily for larger groups.
The designated swimming pool is open to day guests who have purchased picnic spots.
Witsand also offers
- A unique and spectacular Kalahari experience.
- Facilities for the disabled.
- Friendly personal service.
Driving to the reserve
Note that when driving to Witsand Nature Reserve, either from Johannesburg, Upington or Kimberley, in order to reach the Reserve there is a 45km - 75km dirt road.
Note the gate times which is strictly enforced.
Summer - 1 September to 30 April: 07h00 - 18h00
Winter - 1 May to 31 August: 07h30 - 17h00
A small kiosk selling locally made curios, basic foodstuffs and soft drinks is open daily. All items are subject to availability. However, we do not stock fresh produce and/or alcoholic beverages.
It is best to bring all your own foodstuff, drinks and ice.
Information Centre
Various exhibitions, nature books and magazines.
Displays natural and archeological treasures occurring in the area.
Dunes at Witsand
The roaring dunes, or “Brulsand,” of the Kalahari are also found in the Witsand Nature Reserve. The secret to this phenomena may lie in the dry air, homogeneous sand grains, and lack of iron oxide coating.
A significant amount of subsurface water is covered by dunes that range in height from 20 to 60 meters, are 9 km long, and are 4 km wide. By continuous leaching, this water has removed the red iron oxide covering from the quartzite grains.
This led to the formation of the white sand, which stands out starkly against the surrounding green foliage, dramatic smoky blue mountain backdrop, and usual red Kalahari sand.
God has created a work of art that is breathtakingly beautiful. Desert winds carve out bizarre and unsettling designs on dune faces, while dune grasses trace circles in the sand.
From the utter newbie to the compulsive twitcher, Witsand offers a unique blend of dry region and bushveld birds to keep everyone pleased. We have a strategically placed sunken bird hide from which you can observe wildlife and birds (especially Sandgrouse) approaching a water source a few meters away to drink.
Birds and Game
There are more than 170 different bird species. The reserve is home to several gemsbok, red hartebeest, springbok, duiker, and steenbok animals, as well as a small herd of kudu that has settled there.
The area is thought to offer the best stargazing in all of Africa.
There are countless photo options in Witsand thanks to the dunes, clear skies, and other natural features, observing birds and game.
The reserve has a swimming pool that picnickers, campers, and bungalow tourists can enjoy. For the sole use of chalet visitors, a separate pool.
For the more adventurous:
The entire reserve is open to hikers.
Witsand is renowned for the fact that there are no restrictions where visitors can go on foot.
Dune Boards for rent.
Bicycles for rent.
Relaxation
The region is regarded as the finest area in Africa for stargazing.
Photographic opportunities are endless, with the dunes, blue skies and all the natural assets of Witsand.
Bird watching and game viewing.
There is a swimming pool on the reserve for use by picnicking visitors, campers and bungalow guests.
A separate swimming pool for the exclusive use of chalet guests.
Botanical Meander
3km walking trail through Kalahari veld, with 43 marked plant species.
Picnic site and outdoor museum on the trail.
Viewing sites
Two viewing sites each fitted with an information panel.
Environmental Education Facility
A special environmental educational rate is offered to approved groups.
Enquire at reception for more information.
Conference facilities
The stylish conference facility accommodates:
- Conferences, weddings and end of year functions in typical Kalahari surroundings
- Can accommodate 35 people in u-shape style.
- Can accommodate 50 people in classroom style.
- Air-conditioned and equipped with proxima, overhead and slide projector, flip chart and screen.
- Adjoining enclosed Lapa/dining area caters for up to 80 people.
Chalets can accommodate up to a total of 60 guests in 10 x 6 sleeper units. Chalets are self catering. Camping can accommodate 60 guests in 10 x campsites. 2 x Campsites with private ablution, 6 persons per site.
Bungalows accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child under 12 (child to be accommodated on a single sleeper couch). The bungalow has a kitchen and sitting area where the sleeper couch is located. There is a toilet and shower and braai area.
There are 2 campsites with own ablution facilities. 1 Campsite takes a maximum of 6 persons and 2 cars per site.
Cancellation Policy: If a reservation is cancelled within;
- If cancelled less than 30 days before arrival, forfeit deposit.
Cancellation policy are voided when booking dates are amended to be cancelled to avoid cancellation policy. So once dates are amended, cancellation policy are not applicable.
A base rate may be applicable for reservations.
Recommended route from Johannesburg:
- Travel to Kuruman via Vryburg on the (N14).
- Travel 45km to Kathu and from Kathu 27km to the Olifantshoek turnoff to your right.
- 4km outside of Olifantshoek on your way to Upington (N14).
- Turn left towards Witsand (well sign posted).
- Gravel for another 75km to Witsand.
- Do not turn off at Postmasburg signpost - our road is clearly sign-posted.
Recommended route from Kimberley:
- From Kimberley take the (R64) towards Griquatown and Upington.
- From Griquatown take the road to Groblershoop.
- 80km after Griquatown on the road to Groblershoop, turn right at the Witsand sign.
- From there another 45km gravel road to Witsand (follow the signs).
THERE IS NO FUEL STATION AT WITSAND
Children of all ages welcome.
