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WWhen South Africa banned vehicles from driving on beaches in 2001, there was a massive outcry, not least from the 4-wheel drive fraternity. But in 2004, when the policy was reviewed, it was considered such a success that it is now set in stone.
Coastal dune conservation has emerged as a crucial endeavour for environmentalists as well as archaeologists – because these dunes are the repository of far more than just beach sand.
In northern KwaZulu-Natal, the massive and ancient dune system has been found to be an enormous freshwater filtration system. Rainwater that falls on the top of dunes trickles out decades later.
In Alexandria in Eastern Cape, the dune fields that are now part of Addo Elephant National Park are almost pristine and preserve a landscape of extraordinary windswept beauty that is nearly 6 500 years old.
Near Cape St Francis in the same province, and at regular intervals along the southern Cape coast, dunes protect middens of shellfish and other objects that show how early modern humans survived here 50 000 years ago and more.
With many Western and Eastern Cape middens as a result designated ‘Cradle of Human Culture’ sites, these dunes carry crucial clues about human development, so coastal dune conservation is important for preserving such vanishing middens and archaeological traces. Please note that it is illegal to remove anything from midden sites, whether these are food remains, stone tools or cultural artefacts.
The edge of the sea is also a place full of life – much of it extremely sensitive. For example, while vehicles were allowed on beaches, various coastal birds like the Damara tern and African oystercatcher were badly affected; nests, eggs and breeding behaviour were all at the mercy of racing tyres.
But once the vehicles were stopped, the improvements in breeding were ‘staggeringly good’, says ornithologist Tony Williams from CapeNature. Studies found the birds were breeding earlier in the season – and more successfully – than before the 4-wheel drive ban.
Coastal dune conservation is a now seen as a highly important part of safeguarding South Africa’s extensive coastline and the immense biodiversity that it supports, so visitors are requested to keep their impact on the dunes to a minimum whenever they’re enjoying a day at the beach.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Best time to visit
Summer (October to March) is the dry season in Western Cape, so is the best time to backpack along beaches. The KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coastlines are particularly pleasant during winter (May to August).
Tours to do
If you’re anywhere near Cape Agulhas, enquire about the local shipwreck tour.
You could also do the five-day Whale Trail in the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp in Western Cape. Book this through CapeNature. You might need to do this months in advance – the best and most popular time is during the whale season (from about June to November).
The five-day Oystercatcher Trail near Mossel Bay will give you an insight into coastal creatures and history that you will never forget.
Get around
You’re not allowed to drive on beaches or dunes. Rather walk. You'll see so much more anyway.
What to pack
Sunscreen, hiking boots, beach shoes, a hat, a swimming costume and a towel or kikoi.
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