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.