Full Review | TOP TEN 2006

Nearest town Postmasburg (80 km)

Kalahari Witsand 4x4 Trails
Email witsandkalahari@telkomsa.net
Website www.witsandkalahari.co.za
Contact 1. Witsand Reception
Tel 053 313 1061/2
Cell 083 234 7573
Contact 2. Jeanene Jessnitz
Tel 083 234 7573

Route 1: Kalahari Seekoeibaard Sand Route
(of Transboegoe Red Dune Trails)
Contact Louwrens Fourie
Tel 083 500 7180

Route 2 Kalahari Mountain View 4x4 Dune Route
Contact Kobie van der Walt
Tel 083 234 7930

Best time of year August-May
Maximum vehicles N/A
GPS Points S28 34 03.5 E22 29 35.6

Forget everything you know about the Northern Cape. Forget all your associations.Clear your mind of every preconceived notion you have about the Kalahari. Whatever it was you thought you knew – forget it.
Kalahari Witsand will blow your mind.
 

On location alone, it is magnificent.
Centred on a ridge of majestic white dunes, rising out of striking red dune vistas, this is the first thing you see and the lasting impression you will be left with.
That is besides the silence, the space, the hospitality, the expanse of night sky and so much more.

The sheer beauty of this reserve is overwhelming – which to some extent only contributed to Drive Out’s problem. Here we were trying to decide on the Top Ten finalists, and Witsand Reserve quietly accommodates two of possibly the best trails in the Northern Cape. So we did what any self-respecting nature-loving trail
orientated magazine would do – we copped out and chose the Reserve itself!
Let me explain!

Witsand forms the springboard for the Kalahari Mountain View 4x4 Dune Route and the Kalahari Seekoeibaard Sand Route. Both are excellent.

The first is situated between the Langberg and Skurwe Mountain ranges. The view from the top of the dunes is stunning with open plains and a view of the white sands of Witsand.

The second route, Seekoeibaard, starts at Boegoeberg dam wall, goes all along the riverside on sand banks and up a rocky hill with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. A couple of rocky patches are covered with red Kalahari sand, so be careful. And remember, the slope of the sand dunes is very steep and difficult to drive in some parts. But that said, it’s a beautiful and and unique route.

Now, down to business. Accommodation.
With Witsand, whichever trail you choose, Drive Out’s recommendation is that you sleep at the Reserve itself. The chalets are stunning. Each chalet is designed around its own shade tree, so each has its own personality.

They are modern and luxurious, with the decor and furniture made from natural materials, indigenous to the region.
The big and wide stoep area combined with the glass doors, invite nature into the building and invite the occupant to the nature outside. You just cannot ignore your surroundings. Everything just screams look at me!

The real beauty of these chalets though, is the braai area under the trees and the watering hole at each chalet, obviously designed to attract the wildlife.
And it works.
At night, when all you can see is stars and you feel you can reach up and touch the sky, the sound of the animals nearby is awe-inspiring, if not somewhat terrifying at first.

If the overwhelming message of relaxation gets a bit too much for you, or the kids start getting restless watching dunes move, there are sufficient activities to keep them amused as well.
You can send them off mountain biking or I suppose in this instance sand biking, riding, or even better, sand-boarding on the dunes.
And when it gets too hot and the range of activities eventually wears them out, there’s a well-earned pool area for them to enjoy.

Bottom line – Witsand is truly a worthwhile experience, our only remaining advice, is make sure you put enough time aside to really enjoy it!

WHY GO THERE?

• Experience the famous Roaring Dunes of the Kalahari
• Superb accommodation
• Game viewing and bird-watching
• Visit the fulgurites–fused sand tubes formed by lightning
• A real get-away-from-it-all experience

WHERE TO STAY

The accommodation at Witsand is first-class.
There are ten stunning, thatched-roofed, air-conditioned, self-catering lodges, and shady braai areas.
Alternatively there’s cheaper dorm-style group accommodation, and a lovely campsite and swimming pool.

WHAT ELSE?

You are free to wander throughout Witsand, so put on your walking shoes (or grab a bike – available for hire from reception)
No big game, but plenty of antelope and smaller mammals to look out for.
The birdlife is amazing.
If you fancy something more adventurous, sand-boarding can be arranged.
No quads allowed!