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Few eco-destinations in the Northern Cape are as scenic as Witsand Nature Reserve. Witsand Nature Reserve is a scenic park, teeming with bird life, including the Namaqua sandgrouse, sociable weaver and Africa's smallest raptor - the pygmy falcon.
Only we can offer you sensual, flowing white dunes - twenty to sixty metres high - surrounded by copper-red Kalahari sand, Acacia woodland and the Langberg Mountain range.
Witsand has, since its earliest times, been the hub of human activity because it was one of the few reliable sources of permanent water in the region. Archaeologists have found several Stone Age sites reflecting the changing lifestyles throughout many thousands of years.
Dunes
The Witsand Nature Reserve is also home to the roaring dunes or "Brulsand" of the Kalahari. The dry air, uniform sand grains and lack of iron oxide coating may carry the key to this phenomenon.
Dunes, twenty to sixty metres high, 9 km long and 4 km wide, cover a vast quantity of sub-surface water, which through continual leaching has washed the red iron oxide coating fron the quartzite grains.
This produced the white sand which stands in sharp contrast to the green vegetation, the dramatic smoky blue backdrop provided by the surrounding mountains and the typical red Kalahari sand.
Desert winds chisel out strange and eerie patterns on the dune faces while dune grasses draw circles in the sand to complete God's awe-inspiring art work.
Birds & Game
Witsand offers an interesting combination of arid region and bushveld birds to keep from the complete novice to the compulsive twitcher happy. We have a well positioned sunken bird-hide from where one can watch birds (particularly Sandgrouse) and game at their level coming to drink at a waterpoint just a few metres away.
More than 170 species of Birds can be found. Gemsbok, red hartebeest, springbok, duiker and steenbok are abundant on the reserve and a small herd of kudu has established itself on the reserve.
Accommodation
Chalets:
The Four-star accredited chalets accommodate a total of 60 guests.
Ten individual thatched-roof, 3 bed-roomed, self-catering, air-conditioned chalets.
One of the ten chalets was designed to be wheelchair friendly.
One of the ten chalets is used for honeymooners.
Each chalets can sleep six people.
Chalets superbly positioned for privacy and a real Kalahari experience.
Each chalets consists of:
three separate bedrooms.
one and a half bathrooms.
an open plan kitchen/living area.
Each is fully equipped with:
kitchen utensils.
bedding and towels.
an outside fireplace for braais.
Bungalows:
Accommodate a total of 20 guests.
There are three rooms sleeping four people and four rooms sleeping 2 people.
Communal ablution and field kitchen facilities available.
Bedding is provided, bring own towels.
Caravan and Camping:
Accommodate 60 people.
There are ten sites.
Each site is fitted with water, electrical points, and generous fireplaces with a light.
The ablution facilities are of the highest quality.
Facility for washing dishes and clothing lines.
Facilities
Kiosk:
A small kiosk selling locally made curios, basic foodstuffs and soft drinks is open daily. However, we do not stock fresh produce and/or alcoholic beverages.
Information Centre:
Various exhibitions, nature books, magazines and videos to view.
Displays natural and archeological treasures occurring in the area.
Botanical Meander:
3km walking trail through Kalahari veld, with 43 marked plant species.
Picnic site and outdoor museum on the trail.
Swimming pools
How to get there See Map
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
Gate hours 08h00 - 18h00
Click here for Rates/Bookings |
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Location: Postmasburg,
Northern Cape |
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