City of Cape Town Implements New Permit Limits and Safety Rules to Protect Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve from Overcrowding
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City of Cape Town Implements New Permit Limits and Safety Rules to Protect Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve from Overcrowding

Cape Town is stepping up its game to protect one of its most beloved natural spots, the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve (WANR).

Starting July 1st, new codes of conduct will roll out to better manage the area, and they’re designed to keep things safe, prevent overcrowding, and preserve the unique environment.

Why New Rules Are Needed at Witzands

Witzands is a hotspot for adventure lovers who enjoy dune activities like 4×4 off-roading, quad biking, and sandboarding.

These activities require permits to enter, but the number of visitors has exploded recently.

In fact, from 2019 to 2023, the City of Cape Town saw a whopping 1,501% jump in visitor numbers and permits issued.

With so many people flocking to the reserve, the authorities felt it was time to introduce rules to protect the area and ensure everyone can enjoy it safely.

What You Need to Know About the New Permit Limits

Starting August 12, 2025, daily permit limits will be put in place for different activities to keep the numbers manageable:

  • Off-road vehicles will be capped at 80 permits per day, and no single person or operator can buy more than half of those permits.

  • For quad bikes and off-road motorcycles, the daily limit is 275 permits, again with the 50% max per individual or operator rule.

  • Sandboarding permits will be limited to 80 each day, with the same purchase cap for fairness.

These limits are designed to avoid overcrowding and give everyone a chance to enjoy the reserve without overwhelming it.

New Safety Measures and Booking Rules

From July 1st, visitors will have to wear personal protective equipment while at Witzands — safety first! Also, most day visitors (about 80%) will need to pre-book their permits ahead of time.

The remaining 20% will be available for those who arrive on a first-come, first-served basis.

This mix aims to make the system fair while reducing surprise crowds.

What This Means for Visitors

If you’ve been to Witzands before, these changes might feel like a big shift, but they’re all about protecting this amazing place so future generations can enjoy it too.

Managing how many people come in and ensuring everyone plays by the rules is key to keeping the reserve safe and beautiful.

Have you visited Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve before? How do you feel about these new limits and safety rules?