Witsand Nature Reserve (closest city/town: Groblershoop)

Northern Cape - Kalahari

Witsand Nature Reserve

CLOSEST TOWN > Groblershoop

TRAIL DESTINATION > Witsand Nature Reserve

DISTANCE > 18–36km

GRADING > Moderate to difficult

OVERVIEW

Few eco-destinations in the Northern Cape are as scenic as Witsand Nature Reserve. The arid park teems with bird life, including Namaqua sandgrouse, sociable weaver and the minute pygmy falcon. Gemsbok, red hartebeest, springbok, duiker and steenbok are abundant on the reserve.

On your bike

Saddle up your mountain bike to ride amid the towering white dunes (up to 60m high) dwarfing the blood-orange Kalahari surrounds. Sandy dirt roads wind through acacia woodland along the slopes of the Langberg ranges. There are dozens of kilometres of gravel road within Witsand, allowing you to explore to your heart’s content.

Off the bike

Ride a 4X4 trail, relax along the 3km Botanical Meander, go bird-watching, hiking or dune boarding.

CONTACT:

Website: www.witsandkalahari.co.za
Tel: +27 83 234 7573

GPS: 28°33’38.4”S 22°29’06.4”E

Weather:

Clear 12 ^oC
Humidity: 35%
Wind: N at 12 mph

Fri	7 ⇒ 23 ^oC	» Mostly Sunny «
Sat	0 ⇒ 17 ^oC	» Mostly Sunny «
Sun	1 ⇒ 17 ^oC	» Clear «

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Moderate to difficult

DURATION:

2–4 hours

CONFIGURATION :

Various return options (18–36km)

START POINT:

Reception office

TERRAIN:

Gravel roads, jeep tracks – sandy patches

MAP:

Map of reserve roads at reception

CELL RECEPTION:

MTN only

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Day visitor fee applies to riders; no fees for reserve guests

FACILITIES:

Various accommodation options, kiosk, pool; no fuel

BEWARE OF:

Extreme heat and reflection from the white dunes, paper wasps, and thunderstorms

witsand-map

HOW TO GET THERE

From Kimberley, take the R64 towards Upington; 80km after Griquatown on the Groblershoop road, turn right at the Witsand sign. From here, it is another 45km along a good gravel road.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

The cooler winter months – makes sense, doesn’t it?