The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Witsand Nature Reserve
Afrikaans name: Witsand Natuurreservaat
Overlooking the camp site at Witsand Nature Reserve
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Northern Cape
Witsand Nature Reserve is situated between Postmasberg and Groblershoop in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The reserve covers 3,500 hectares and is known for its "roaring dunes". The sound may be heard when walking on the dunes or when the wind blows across them. Only a few areas in the work are know to "roar" or "sing" as there are very particular conditions they need to be present to cause it. These involve the size of the grains of sand, the presence of silica and the humidity levels.
Although it can be extremely hot in summer the temperatures are generally quite bearable. The sparse rainfall is restricted to February and March.
The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including 150 bird species. Some of the species to look for are Pygmy Falcon, Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Lilac-breasted Roller, Crimson-breasted Shrike and three species of Sandgrouse. Amongst the mammals that may be encountered are Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Springbok and Gemsbok.
There is evidence to show that the area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years.
Witsand Nature Reserve
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Bird checklist for Witsand Nature Reserve
Orange River Francolin
Common Quail
Kurrichane Buttonquail
Acacia Pied Barbet
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Common Scimitarbill
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
Jacobin Cuckoo
Common Swift
Bradfield's Swift
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar
Ludwig's Bustard
Northern Black Korhaan
Double-banded Courser
Lappet-faced Vulture
Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk
Pygmy Falcon
Rock Kestrel
Brubru
Brown-crowned Tchagra
Pririt Batis
Cape Crow
Lesser Grey Shrike
Cape Penduline-Tit
Ashy Tit
Greater Striped Swallow
Rock Martin
Yellow-bellied Eremomela
Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler
Grey-backed Cisticola
Desert Cisticola
Black-chested Prinia
Rufous-eared Warbler
Cape Clapper Lark
Fawn-coloured Lark
Spike-heeled Lark
Grey-backed Sparrowlark
Short-toed Rock-Thrush
Chat Flycatcher
Capped Wheatear
Familiar Chat
Pale-winged Starling
Dusky Sunbird
Scaly-feathered Finch
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver
Red-headed Finch
Black-faced Waxbill
Black-throated Canary
Yellow Canary
White-throated Canary
Lark-like Bunting
Cape Bunting
References and further reading
Things to do in Moer & Gone Places - Author: Jacques Marais - Published: 2015 - Page: 170Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 200
Stuarts Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd ed - Author: Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Published: 2018 - Page: 272
go! - Issue 137 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 36
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 326
On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 139
Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 91
Country Life - Issue 212 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 20
Country Life - Issue 230 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 75
Essential Birding: Western South Africa - Author: Callan Cohen and Claire Spottiswoode - Published: 2000 - Page: 112
Experience the Northern Cape
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