45 Minutes outside of Cape Town, you will find the spectacular Atlantis Dunes. With views like this, you can see why it has become a hotspot for filmmakers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts seeking a awesome experience. The awe-inspiring setting and the thrill of activities like sandboarding make it a must-visit destination.
Table Mountain view of the Atlantis dunes by Emmet Sparling
You don’t need to be a local to find out everything you need to know about the Atlantis Dunes.
Until recently, Atlantis Dunes was one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to Atlantis Dunes, some interesting information, and local tips and tricks.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to the Atlantis Sand Dunes in Cape Town can be an exhilarating experience, but a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth adventure. Here are some key points to consider:
Booking: To avoid any last-minute disappointments, it’s crucial to book your sandboarding or quad biking experience in advance. You can secure your spot through a certified specialist or directly with the tour operator. This ensures you get the best possible experience without any hiccups.
Date: While the Atlantis Dunes are a year-round destination, the summer months (December to February) offer the warmest and sunniest weather, making it the ideal time for your visit. Choose a date that fits your schedule, but keep an eye on the weather forecast to ensure optimal conditions.
Transport: Deciding how to get to the dunes is an integral part of your planning. You can either drive yourself or opt for a transport service provided by the tour operator. If you choose to drive, make sure your vehicle is suitable for the sandy terrain. A 4x4 is highly recommended to navigate the dunes safely.
Physical Condition: Activities like sandboarding and quad biking can be physically demanding. Being in good physical shape is essential to enjoy these adventures fully. If you have any health concerns, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before booking your trip.
Considering these factors, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable trip to the Atlantis Sand Dunes.
Local Tips and Tricks for the Atlantis Dune
The dunes can get very windy in the South Easter. Check www.windguru.com for the forecast.
Security will check your vehicle for Wood, Alcohol and Camera gear.
Dunes are best after wind or rain during the week. There will be fewer tyre marks in the sand.
After rain, the dunes can fill with water, creating beautiful scenery.
Atlantis is a great place to spend the day or picnic in low-wind conditions.
Dunes look best in Golden Hour with scattered clouds.
On a clear day, you can see Table Mountain.
About the Atlantis Sand Dunes
The Sand Dunes are located in Cape Town, South Africa. Atlantis covers 500 hectares (32km squared) of the City of Cape Town Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve.
The White dunes can reach up to 50 meters (160 feet) high.
The Sand dunes are used for various activities that we will mention below.
You can access the dunes without a 4x4; however, you will be limited to how far you can walk, which can be strenuous on the soft sand.
To access the dunes, you must book a tour or self-drive 4x4, which we will discuss in the self-drive section.
Atlantis is home to rare mammals and flora.
Entry fees 2024 and permits.
To enter the Atlantis Dunes, you will require a permit. All permits, except for a filming permit, can be obtained from the permit office at the gate.
There are different permits for different activities.
Activity | Age | Price |
Sandboarding | Adult Child/Pensioner/Student | R68 R42 |
4x4 / Off Road | Per vehicle (4 Adults) Extra adult Extra Child | R205 R50 R32 |
Quadbike/ motorcycle | Per Vehicle | R118 |
Walk-in | Adult/Child/Pensioner | Free |
Atlantis Dunes gate times.
Summer: September to February 07:00 - 19:00
Winter: March to August 08:00-18:00
Atlantis Permit office hours.
Monday - Saturday 08:00-15:30
Sunday and Public Holidays 08:00 - 15:30
Safety and Precautions
Safety should always be a top priority when visiting the Atlantis Sand Dunes. Here are some essential precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Safety Gear: Always wear the safety gear provided by the tour operator, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. This gear is designed to protect you in case of falls or accidents, especially during activities like quad biking and sandboarding.
Instructions: Pay close attention to the instructions given by your guides. They are experienced and knowledgeable about the dunes and will provide valuable advice to keep you safe. Follow their guidance to make the most of your adventure.
Weather Conditions: Before heading out, check the weather forecast. The dunes can be challenging to navigate in strong winds or thunderstorms. It’s best to avoid visiting during adverse weather conditions to ensure your safety.
Respect the Environment: The Atlantis Sand Dunes are an important conservation area protecting the Atlantis Aquifer, which supplies water to the Atlantis area. Respect the environment by following any rules or guidelines the tour operator provides. Avoid littering and disturbing the natural habitat.
Quad Bike Safety: If you’re participating in a quad biking experience, adhere to the safety guidelines provided by the tour operator. Always wear safety gear and operate the quad bike responsibly. Stick to designated paths and avoid risky manoeuvres to prevent accidents.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and thrilling adventure at the Atlantis Sand Dunes while contributing to the preservation of this unique and important conservation area.
7 Best Atlantis Dunes Activities.
1) Quad Biking
If you want to have a little fun and see the Atlantis dunes, we highly recommend a quad bike-guided tour experience.
Note: If you are lucky enough to own a quad bike, you can explore the dunes!
See Sandboarding Cape Town for more details.
Duration: 1 hour
Where: Meet at Atlantis Dune parking lot.
Cost: R1900 (Booking essential)
Open: 7 days a week (except Christmas)
Minimum age: 6 Years old
Children under 13 to ride with an adult.
Image via Sandboarding Cape Town.
2) Atlantis Photography and Photoshoots.
The white sand dunes are incredible to photograph. The sheer height and scale of the dunes give you a wide variety of shots and can be utilised by a broad spectrum of photography styles.
Whether you are looking for an engagement shoot, lifestyle, fashion, extreme sport or even landscape shoot. Atlantis has some great features.
You get a sense that you are marooned in a vast white desert. The shadows from the 50-meter-high sand dunes combined with the textures of the sand make for truly unique compositions.
Cape Town's wind ensures that the dunes are forever changing.
As with any photography, we recommend shooting in the dunes during Golden Hour. However, it is important to note that Atlantis can get extremely windy on summer afternoons, making early morning shoots the best.
Virgin Dunes!
Atlantis is generally busy over weekends, which means there are many tyre tracks in the sand. For photography, it is always best to go mid-week after rain or strong winds, as this transforms the dunes into their untouched natural state.
For Brand Photoshoots or Films, Contact
For Atlantis Photography tours and photo shoots, Contact
3) Jeep Tours Cape Town
Jeep tours in Cape Town offer day trips to the Atlantis Dunes, which have made the Dunes and their activities possible for tourists.
We highly recommend Jeep Tours Cape Town. You’ll jump in a Jeep Wrangler with an experienced Driver that will leave you on your seat's edge. It’s a lot of fun. After you have been for the 4x4 spin around the dunes, you’ll be taken back to base camp in the heart of the dunes, which have been set up with Shade and refreshments. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the dunes, get a couple of photos and give sandboarding a try if you are feeling adventurous.
Cost: R2395 pp (minimum 2 people)
Duration 3.5hours
Photo by Craig Howes. Jeep Tours Cape Town.
4) Self Drive 4x4
If you have a 4x4, you can self-drive in the dunes. This is great when you want to explore the dunes by yourself, spend the day there, or even picnic there.
We recommend experienced off-road drivers. It is very easy to get stuck or roll your car if you don't know what you're doing.
We recommend driving in a convoy if you enter the dunes; having a backup is always good.
Note: it is very easy to get lost in the dunes. Don't forget to let your tyres down.
5) Sand Boarding
If you want to try sandboarding, the 50-meter dunes are a great place to do it. Atlantis has varying dune heights, which makes it great for beginners or experts.
If you do a Jeep tour, sandboarding can be included; otherwise, sandboarding in Cape Town would be good.
6) Filming in the Atlantis Dunes
Atlantis is a great place to film, especially for lifestyle and extreme sport; you will, however, need a filming permit for commercial use.
The dunes make you feel like you have been transported into a different universe.
More information can be found at the City of Cape Town head office.
7) FMX Motocross in the dunes
For experienced riders, the dunes are the ultimate motocross playground. Note that this is for experienced riders, and additional permit fees apply.
Photo by Craig Howes
Atlantis Dunes Animals
Animals can be hard to spot in the Atlantis dunes. However, if you are lucky, you can see the following animals.
Honey Badger
Bat Eared Fox
Cape Fox
Caracal
Small Spotted Genet
Cape Porcupine
Cape Grysbok
Common Duiker
Lessor Dwarf Shrew
Four Striped Grass Mouse
Forest Shrew
Cape Mole Rat
For more information, feel free to contact
If you are looking for more Cape Town Activities have a look here!
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