Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve protects roughly 3 000 hectares near Atlantis, above an underground aquifer that supplies Atlantis, Mamre and Pella with drinking water. On the surface lie 500 hectares of the white Atlantis Dunes, endangered Atlantis Sand Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, and wildlife including caracal, steenbok and Cape dune mole rat. Walking in is free, while sandboarding, quad biking and off-road driving are permitted under City codes of conduct.
Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is the reason taps run in Atlantis, Mamre and Pella. Beneath roughly 3 000 hectares of dune and fynbos on Cape Town's northern edge sits a large natural aquifer that supplies those communities with potable water, and the reserve above it exists to keep both the supply and the landscape intact.
The surface is what most visitors come to see. The Atlantis Dunes cover 500 hectares of the reserve, a field of bright white sand that reads more like desert than Cape coastline. Around the dunes the City protects endangered Atlantis Sand Fynbos and endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, two vegetation types that have lost much of their historical ground to development on the Cape lowlands.
The wildlife list is quietly good for a reserve this close to the city. Steenbok, Cape grysbok, small grey mongoose and caracal are all present, along with the Cape dune mole rat, an animal whose earthworks you will notice long before you see the animal itself. Paths and walkways run through the reserve, and the City lists hiking and walking, cycling and environmental education among the activities on offer.
Witzands is also one of the most popular off-road destinations in the Western Cape. Sandboarding, quad biking and four-by-four driving are all permitted, each under its own code of conduct issued in terms of the City's Nature Reserve By-law, and each requiring a permit bought at the reserve's permit office. Walking in on foot costs nothing, which makes this one of the few Cape Town reserves where the landscape itself is free and only the adrenaline is charged for.
Plan around the permit office rather than the gates. It closes at 15:30 every day of the week while the reserve stays open into the evening in summer, so a late arrival can mean a walk rather than a ride. The reserve is cashless throughout, and both the gates and the office close on 25 December.
Highlights
- 500 hectares of white Atlantis dune field inside the reserve
- An underground aquifer supplying Atlantis, Mamre and Pella with drinking water
- Endangered Atlantis Sand Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld
- Caracal, steenbok, Cape grysbok and Cape dune mole rat on the wildlife list
- Free walk-in access on foot, with paths and walkways through the reserve
- Permitted sandboarding, quad biking and four-by-four driving under City codes of conduct
Tips
Walking in is free, but every sandboarding, quad biking and off-road session needs a permit from the permit office, which closes at 15:30, well before the reserve gates. The reserve is cashless, so bring a bank card. Each motorised and board-based activity has its own code of conduct issued under the City's Nature Reserve By-law, and an indemnity applies. Expect loose, deep sand throughout, so wear closed shoes and carry water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve?
It is a City of Cape Town nature reserve of approximately 3 000 hectares near Atlantis, on the northern edge of the city. It protects a large underground aquifer that supplies Atlantis, Mamre and Pella with potable water, along with the Atlantis Dunes and the endangered sand fynbos and strandveld above it.
Is there an entrance fee?
Walking in is free for adults, children and pensioners. Activity permits are charged: sandboarding is R96 for adults and R60 for children, pensioners and students, quad bikes and off-road motorcycles are R300 per vehicle, and four-by-four or off-road vehicles are R360 for a vehicle carrying four adults, with R72 per additional adult and R48 per additional child. The reserve is cashless.
What are the opening hours?
The reserve is open from 07:00 to 19:00 between September and February, and from 08:00 to 18:00 between March and August. The permit office keeps shorter hours, 08:00 to 15:30 daily including Sundays and public holidays. Both are closed on 25 December.
Can you sandboard or ride quad bikes at Witzands?
Yes. The City lists sandboarding, quad biking and off-road motorcycle and four-by-four use as permitted activities, each governed by its own code of conduct issued under the Nature Reserve By-law. Permits are bought at the reserve's permit office, which closes at 15:30.
Can you walk or hike in the reserve?
Yes. The City lists paths and walkways among the reserve facilities and hiking and walking, cycling and environmental education among its activities. Walk-in entry on foot is free.
