The City of Cape Town will introduce new codes of conduct for the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve (WANR) from July 1 with gate limits taking effect from August 12. The measures aim to manage visitor numbers, enforce safety standards and ensure the continued conservation of the reserve.
The WANR, located near Atlantis, has seen a huge increase in visitor numbers and permits issued between 2019 and 2023. The site is popular for recreational off-roading, quad biking and sandboarding.
The new regulations follow a public participation process in late 2024. The final codes of conduct limit the number of permits issued daily for key activities (no more than 50% may be purchased by a single operator):
- Off-road vehicles: 80 permits per day
- Quad bikes and off-road motorcycles: 275 permits per day
- Sandboarding: 80 permits per day
Commercial tours will not be permitted on Mondays (unless it falls on a public holiday), which are reserved for non-commercial and educational activities.
From July 1, additional requirements will include:
- Valid tour guide certification and first aid training for all tour operators
- Mandatory personal protective equipment for all visitors
- One parking bay per service provider
- 80% of daily visitor permits to be issued via pre-booking with 20% allocated for walk-ins
Violations of the reserve by-laws or codes of conduct may result in fines, compliance notices or temporary bans.
“The WANR is an irreplaceable natural asset that must be preserved,” said Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor of Cape Town and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment. “The codes of conduct strive to optimise business opportunities in a sustainable manner while creating a safe and secure environment.”
