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Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve

Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve

ACCESS AND PARKING

Please read the Protected Area Notice for conditions relating to access and parking in the Nature Reserve until 30 June 2025.

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:

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

DayTime
Permit Office
Monday – Saturday08:00 – 15:30
Sunday and Public Holidays
08:00 – 15:30
25 December
Closed
Nature Reserve
September – February 07:00 – 19:00
March – August08:00 – 18:00
25 December
Closed

Entrance fees

ActivityAgePrice
SandboardingAdult
Child/Pensioner/Student
R80
R50
4x4 / Off-roadPer vehicle (4 adults)
Extra adult
Extra child
R300
R60
R40
Quadbike/motorcyclePer vehicleR250
Walk-inAdult/Child/PensionerFree

this is a cashless facility

Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve does not accept cash payments.  

Contact us

General enquiries

Telephone:
021 400 6000

Email:
witzandsnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za

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.

Document downloads

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