Quad biking at the Atlantis Dunes is one of the most popular adventures in Cape Town, and one of the easiest to try. If you have never ridden a quad before, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect, from the drive out to the moment you park your bike with sand in your shoes and a camera roll full of photos.
Quad biking with Quadzilla is a guided 30-minute or 1-hour ride on automatic quads across the white sand dunes of Atlantis, about 45–60 minutes from central Cape Town. No experience is needed. Every tour starts with a safety briefing, and prices start from R650 per person plus a R300 nature reserve permit.
Where are the Atlantis Dunes?
The Atlantis Dunes lie northwest of Cape Town inside the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its huge, bright white sand dunes. On a clear day you can see Table Mountain across the bay from the top of the dunes, which makes for some of the best photos you will take in Cape Town.
Allow 45–60 minutes to drive from the city centre. Our meeting point is at our main base at the entrance to the dunes, and you can find directions on our location page.
What happens when you arrive
Every Quadzilla tour follows the same simple flow, so you always know what’s next.
- Check in and buy your permitArrive at least 30 minutes before your tour. You’ll check in with our team and buy your nature reserve permit at the permit office.
- Safety briefing and riding inductionYour guide covers the quad controls, accelerating, braking, riding technique and dune safety. It takes about 3–5 minutes, and you’ll get your helmet and hairnet.
- Ride the dunes with your guideYour guide leads the group out, adjusting the pace and terrain so everyone stays comfortable, whether it’s your first ride or your tenth.
- Photo stops along the wayWe stop at the best viewpoints and take action shots on your own phone, ready to share before the sand settles.
- Return to baseAt the end of your ride you head back to the parking area to wrap up, usually grinning.
Do you need experience?
Not at all. Most of our riders are first-timers. Our quads are automatic, with a simple thumb throttle and hand brake, so there are no gears and no clutch to worry about. Guides ride with you the whole way and space the group out so you never feel rushed.
I’d never ridden a quad before, but the guides explained everything clearly and made sure we had a safe, thrilling ride.
Amber L., Durban
How long is the tour?
You can choose a 30-minute ride, a 1-hour tour, or a private 1-hour tour for your own group. The time includes your safety briefing and riding induction.
| Tour | Duration | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Guided quad ride | 30 minutes | R650 |
| Guided dune tour | 1 hour | R950 |
| Private tour | 1 hour | R1 299 |
Prices exclude the R300 per person nature reserve permit. See the full breakdown on our pricing page.
Pick your tour, choose a date and secure your spot online in a few minutes.
Who can ride?
Quad biking is great for families, friends, couples and work teams. The minimum age is 5, and riders aged 13 and older can ride their own quad. Standard guided groups take up to 8 riders, which keeps every tour safe and personal. For bigger groups, corporate outings or team-building, email us and we’ll arrange back-to-back groups.
What to wear and bring
Keep it simple. We provide the quad, fuel, helmets and disposable hairnets. You just need:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Comfortable clothing
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water to stay hydrated
- Your phone for photos
When to go
Tours depart daily on the hour, but plan around two things: the reserve is closed on Wednesdays (except public holidays) and on Christmas Day, and the permit office closes at 15:30. Weekends, school holidays and the December peak season fill up quickly, so book online in advance to get the time you want.
Tours run in most weather. If conditions ever become unsafe, we’ll reschedule your booking at a time that suits you.
Written by the guides and instructors who ride the Atlantis Dunes every day, helping first-timers, families and groups get the most out of their adventure.
