New rules at popular Cape Town nature reserve

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The City of Cape Town recently announced that they will soon introduce new codes of conduct for Permissible Activities at the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve (WANR) starting 1 July.

According to the City, the new rules aim to manage visitor numbers and overcrowding, enforce safety standards and ensure the continued conservation of the reserve.

The measures aim to manage visitor numbers, enforce safety standards and ensure the continued conservation of the reserve.

New rules at Witzands

Witzands is one of the most popular destinations in Cape Town for dune-related recreational activities, including 4X4 off-roading, quad biking, and sandboarding, entry of which is controlled through a permit system.

However, from 2019 to 2023 the City recorded a 1 501% increase in the number of visitors to the nature reserve and permits issued, which led them to implement Codes of Conduct in the interest of the continued conservation of this unique natural asset.

The following rules will be implemented at Witzands for visitors:

A daily limit of 80 permits for off-road vehicles, and no individual or operator may purchase more than 50% of the daily permits. The daily gate limits at Witzands will be implemented from 12 August 2025.
A daily limit of 275 permits for quad bikes and off-road motorcycles, and no individual or operator may purchase more than 50% of the daily permits. The daily gate limits at Witzands will be implemented from 12 August 2025.
A daily limit of 80 permits for sandboarding, and no individual or operator may purchase more than 50% of the daily permits. The daily gate limits at Witzands will be implemented from 12 August 2025.
As from 1 July 2025 the wearing of personal protective equipment will be mandatory.
As from 1 July 2025 day visitor pre-bookings will constitute 80% of the daily visitor limit, with 20% being kept open for visitors on a first-come-first-served basis.