Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve
At the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, guided walks and education programmes and presentations are available on request.About
Cape Town is unique due to its high concentration of local flora and fauna species. Our nature reserves protect and conserve our city’s natural resources and biodiversity heritage.
The Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is famous for the Atlantis Dunes, which cover 500 hectares of the reserve. It is a flora and fauna-rich landscape that is home to endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and the endangered Atlantis Sand Fynbos, as well as an abundance of wild life, including: steenbok, Cape grysbok, small grey mongoose, Cape dune mole rat and caracal.
Below the surface, a large underground natural aquifer supplies the surrounding communities of Atlantis, Mamre and Pella with potable (drinking) water.
Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is also one of the most popular off-roading destinations in the Western Cape. It offers 4x4 fun, quad biking/off-road motorcycles and sand boarding.
Please read the Code of Conduct for Permissible Activities:
- Off Road and Dirt Road Vehicle Code of Conduct
- Quadbiking/Motorcycles/All Terrain Vehicles Code of Conduct
- Sandboarding Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct aims to:
- ensure public safety;
- optimise the visitor experience;
- integrate various recreational uses and user groups of the reserve;
- ensure international best practice; and
- protect Cape Town’s environmental assets and strategic water sources, while continuing to provide equitable opportunities for tourism and associated businesses at the reserve.
Download the documents below for more information about the reserve:
Witzands Aquifer Information Pamphlet
Posters
1.
Landscape
2.
Climate
3.
Geology and soils
4.
Cultural and Natural Heritage
5.
Off-road and Environment
6.
Vegetation
7.
Mammals
8.
Amphibians and Reptiles
9.
Birds
Opening hours
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Permit Office | |
| Monday – Saturday | 08:00 – 15:30 |
| Sunday and Public Holidays | 08:00 – 15:30 |
| 25 December | Closed |
| Nature Reserve | |
| September – February | 07:00 – 19:00 |
| March – August | 08:00 – 18:00 |
| 25 December | Closed |
Entrance fees
| Activity | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sandboarding | Adult Child/Pensioner/Student | R80 R50 |
| 4x4 / Off-road | Per vehicle (4 adults) Extra adult Extra child | R300 R60 R40 |
| Quadbike/motorcycle | Per vehicle | R250 |
| Walk-in | Adult/Child/Pensioner | Free |
this is a cashless facility
Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve does not accept cash payments.
Location
Atlantis Dunes, Dassenberg Drive (R307), Atlantis
Features and facilities
- Path and walkways
- Conference room
- Hall
Activities
- Hiking and walking
- Environmental education activities
- Private events and functions
- Cycling and biking
- Extreme sports
Facility sizes
Approximately 3000 hectares
Booking and tariffs
For a detailed list of costs for various nature reserves and environmental education centres, please consult the tariffs in the document downloads section below.
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