Witsand Nature Reserve
Interesting times, as the Chinese saying goes, or should one rather say challenging times. The sudden, unexpected rise in living and travelling costs compels one to alter / adjust ways of travelling; choice of destination and / or activities. One is more inclined to scout closer to home and pursue different adventures. Interests may dictate choice of destination, but so may destination encourage different ventures.
Witsand Nature Reserve, is a landlocked phenomenon and covers an area of 3500 ha, dominated by sand dunes. It is situated in the Northern Cape in South Africa between Postmasburg and Groblershoop, offering the visitor spectacular sunrises and sunsets which dictates the planning of the day, depending whether walking is regarded good exercise for the health conscious, or walking for the sake of photography, for which you can walk in any direction. The potential is there. Even if you do walk for the exercise, you never do so without taking a camera.
Once you have checked in, you park your vehicle until the day you depart. This is a walking or biking holiday. Bikes can be hired daily, although the more serious bikers will probably bring their own. There are a number of different routes, but there are no restricted areas and one can roam or bike freely, tailor your own route.
We did find that during our time there, the morning light was cool, resulting into moody shots, but then so was the temperature of the sand.
We found ourselves covering great distances barefoot; it is almost impossible to attempt the dunes in shoes – another healthy advantage I would say. Once the sun starts setting, the magic starts happening. Change in scenery is ongoing as the dunes seemingly change appearance. The opportunities of photographing these magnificent sand dunes are countless.
Late afternoon temperatures are pleasant, temperatures increase, and a warm glow covers the landscape, which results into long walks or bike rides and often, one arrives after dark and start a cosy fire.
There are a few accommodation options. The thatch roof chalets are ideal for families and have a pleasant open-air area for braais and meals. We stayed in the newly built bungalows, adequately furnished with a lovely braai (barbecue) area. The park also offers a camping area and good ablutions. We noticed an environment centre offering group accommodation and facilities; these are quite popular amongst schools. The park also has a lovely pool for days when temperatures rise to almost 40.
One of the special offerings is a visit to Brulsand, which translates into roaring sand. Here the sand is red in colour and the dune is high and steep. And as you climb, with every step the dune roars! Reaching the top is quite a feat but worth the climb. The vista that welcomes you is absolutely spectacular.
Definitely another advantage is the excellent roads, in places gravel but still in great condition.
Witsand is remote; we travelled quite a way to get there, but apart from that, it is a rather affordable holiday and a great escape into the wild.
Note: What makes the sand roar? The sand is extremely fine and their countless millions of grains of sand rub together to emit a deep reverberating hum. [Google]
