Witsand Nature Reserve, Kalahari, Northern Cape
The Witsand Nature Reserve near Postmasburg in the Northern Cape is famous for its singing sand dunes, also known as the ‘Roaring Dunes’ due to the eerie sounds they make in the hot dry summer months.
It is not only the sound of the dunes that distinguishes the Witsand Nature Reserve, however, it is also distinguished by the colour that gives the reserve its name. The dunes rise 20 – 30m in height and run for a distance of 9km, white in colour and contrasting sharply with the red and golden sand of the surrounding Kalahari. Another interesting feature of these dunes is the attraction they have for lightning. They are often struck by lightning in the summer months and these lightning strikes leave silica formations in the sand that can look like tree branches or volcanic rocks and are called ‘fulgurites’.
Witsand features luxury accommodations and animals that can be seen include a number of small to medium sized antelope species, Red Hartebees and a small herd of the larger Kudu. There are also over 170 species of bird on the reserve including the Kori Bustard, falcons, the Secretary Bird, sand grouses and weavers that build huge sprawling communal nests.
Witsand is an outdoors activities ‘desert paradise’. The absence of large predators means you can walk and hike anywhere – although you are advised to stay off the dunes in the summer afternoons due to risk of lightning strikes). Sand boards and bicycles are available for hire, and there is a nearby 4×4 route. Back on the reserve, there is a botanical meander for those interested in the variety of dune plant systems at Witsand. There is also a swimming pool with picnic and braai area. There is also birding and game viewing – guided by prior arrangenment. Besides these activities, Witsand is known as a photographers paradise thanks to the crystalline blue of the sky, the wide spaces and the variegated colours of the ever shifting dunes. Witsand is also commonly thought of as the best place to go stargazing in the Kalahari. At night, there is barely space for black between the shining pinpricks of millions of stars.
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Note: Much is made of the Roaring Dunes, and while it certainly isn’t much ado about nothing, it only happens in very hot and dry weather – generally December and January. If you are hoping to experience this phenomenon, go in summer and keep an an eye on the weather report.
Getting there: Witsand is located 72km from Postmasburg, though the nearest major centre is Upington. From Upington take the N14 east turning off right for Witsand Nature Reserve after 89km.
| More info on the quaint town of Upington | More info on the Green Kalahari area |
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