Few eco-destinations in the Northern Cape are as scenic as Witsand Nature Reserve and even fewer boast the luxury accommodation we offer our visitors. Witsand Nature Reserve is a scenic park, teeming with bird life, including the Namaqua sandgrouse, sociable weaver and Africas 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. Home of the famous Brulsand or Roaring Sands of the Kalahari. Under the right conditions, these dunes utter an eerie rumble when disturbed.
Facilities
Bedding and towels, air conditioning, wheelchair friendly, conference facilities, pool. A small kiosk selling locally made curios, basic foodstuffs and soft drinks is open daily. However, we do not stock fresh produce or alcoholic beverages. THERE IS NO FUEL STATION AT WITSAND.
Kalahari Mountain View 4X4 Sand Route:
• Situated on a farm, 20km from Witsand.
• You will have the opportunity to drive on the famous red Kalahari sands and dunes.
• A stunning picnic site under a large camel thorn tree housing an impressive and very active sociable weaver's nest.
• The route is 36km long with an additional 4km up a mountain slope, with various difficulty levels experienced en route.
Adventure and Extreme Sports:
• 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.
• Guided tours by management (by prior arrangement).
• 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 chaletguests.
Botanical Meander:
• 3km walking trail through Kalahari veld, with 43 marked plant species.
• Picnic site and outdoor museum on the trail. View-sites:
• Two view-sites each fitted with an information panel.
Environmental Education Facility:
• A special environmental educational rate is offered to approved groups.
• Refer to reception for more information.
Team Building Package:
• Team building exercises arranged by professional guide.
• Prebook 3 weeks in advance.
• Bookings done through reception.
Conference Facilities:
The stylish four-star conference facility accommodates the following:
• Conferences, weddings and end of year functions in typical Kalahari surroundings
• Can accommodate 35 people in u-shape style - 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.
• Catering to be pre-booked for conference groups, obtain menus from reception.
Day Visitors:
• Accommodate 36 people at the picnic sites. Max 6 per site (larger groups can rent the lapa on a daily basis.)
• Day visitors, who have paid for picnic sites, are allowed to make use of the allocated swimming pool.
More than 170 species of Birds:
The avid birdwatcher's skills will be put to the test by the abundance of LBJ's. 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. The hide has proven to be a great asset to the reserve.
The most significant birds are:
• Pygmy Falcon (Africa’s smallest raptor)
• Sociable Weavers (with their huge nests)
• Kori Bustard (biggest flying bird in Africa)
• Secretary Bird
• Crimson-Breasted Boubou or Shrike
• Lilac-Breasted Roller and
• Three species of Sandgrouse
Wildlife:
Gemsbok, red hartebeest, springbok, duiker and steenbok are abundant on the reserve.
Since Witsand has enjoyed conservation status, a small herd of kudu has established itself on the reserve. The reintroduction of additional species will be considered once the natural vegetation has recovered sufficiently. Nevertheless, some particularly rare and interesting species, such as pangolin and aardvark occur on the reserve, and the visitor to Witsand can never be sure of what he or she may be likely (or fortunate enough) to see! Many species show adaptations typical of species living in hot desert environments. This is particularly true of the many beetles and other insects found in the dunes.
Wildlife to spot in the daytime:
- Springbok
- Blue Duiker
- Steenbok
- Gemsbok (Oryx)
- Red Hartebeest
- Ground Squirrels
- Suricate (Meerkat)
Wildlife to spot at night:
- Ground Pangolin
- Porcupine
- Aardvark
- Aardwolf
- Bat-eared Fox
- Cape Fox
- Genet
- Spring Hare
- Owls
Plants:
Witsand has been identified as possibly the only area of localised endemism in the Northern Cape. Two species, namely Valhalia capensis subsp. ellipticifolia and Pterothrix tecta have been classified as possible endemics. Brachiaria dura var. pilosa can be considered near-endemic to Witsand Nature Reserve. In all probability, the ongoing plant surveys conducted on the reserve could add to the list of endemic species found only here.
Conservation of this Unique Asset:
Endemic plants and insects make it a truly unique area for conservation. The vegetation of the reserve is a complex convergence zone of three major vegetation types:
Karroid Kalahari Bushveld:
This vegetation type is sparsely wooded, characteristically with Camel Thorn (Acacia erioloba)
NOTE:
• Gate hours 08h00 - 18h00.
• Vehicles are restricted to designated tourist roads.
• No motorbikes or quad bikes on the reserve.
• No pets allowed.
• No loud music/noise permitted.
• There is one public telephone on premises (this is card operated).
• ONLY MTN reception / No Vodacom or Cell C reception.
• Right of Admission Reserved.
• There's NO Fuel Station at Witsand
WHAT TO BRING:
• Sun Protection cream & hat.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Insect repellent.
• Own liquor
• Fresh produce
• Books/Board Games/Playing Cards.
• Selection of Field Guides available for use at the Information Centre.
