

Important Tips
1. Typical of desert environs, Witsand can be extremely
hot in summer and cold in winter. Please bear these
extremes in mind when setting out on a hike.
2. Always carry a water bottle.
3. Heat exhaustion is a very real danger in summer.
Avoid hiking during the hottest time of the day.
4. Please respect the forces of nature and stay out of
the dunes during thunderstorms! Bear this in mind
when setting out on your hike.
5. The white sand reflects a great deal of heat and
one may suffer severe sunburn even whilst wearing
a hat. A high SP factor sun cream is advisable.
6. Wear closed shoes when walking around at night,
when scorpions emerge from their burrows to forage.
Scorpion stings can be lethal, and at best, are
extremely painful. A good camping habit is to knock
your shoes out before slipping your feet into them in
the morning. You just never know who has taken a
liking to the warm, dark interior of your hiking boot!
7. In summer, paper wasps vehemently defend their
paper-like nests, and may attack passers-by without
provocation. Be careful when passing through dense
thickets and under the canopies of trees where the
nests are found. Unlike bees, wasps can sting
repeatedly.
8. Don't ignore the symptoms of any sting or bite if it
goes beyond localised swelling and pain. Allergic
reactions must receive medical attention without delay,
especially if you are experiencing difficulties in
breathing or feel nauseous.

9. A good idea is to tell someone where you will be heading,
and approximately how long you envisage being away
before you set out on a hike, especially if you are walking
alone. If you wish, report to the tourist office and then
remember to report back.
10. If you plan an afternoon walk, be sure to be back by
sunset. The dunes can be disorientating at night.
11. Please feel free to approach us for more information.
12. And do share your sightings with us!
Note
• Gate hours
Summer (1 September - 30 April) 7h00 - 18h00
Winter (1 May - 31 August) 7h30 - 17h00
• Vehicles are restricted to designated tourist roads.
• No motorbikes or quad bikes on the reserve.
• No pets allowed.
• No loud music/noise permitted.
• There is one public telephone on the premises (this is card
operated).
• MTN reception / No Vodacom or Cell C reception.
• Right of Admission Reserved.
• THERE IS NO FUEL STATION AT WITSAND
What to Bring
• Sun Protection cream.
• Hat.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Insect repellent.
• Own liquor (Kiosk does not sell liquor).
• Fresh produce (Kiosk stocks tinned foods etc. but no
fresh fruit or vegetables).
• Books/Board Games/Playing Cards.
• Selection of Field Guides available for use at the
Information Centre.