About the West Coast Fossil Park

Five million years ago the Cape west coast was very different from what it is today with a wide range of now extinct animals living in riverine forests, wooded savanna, the adjacent sea and on offshore islands. Phosphate mining operations at Langebaanweg uncovered one of the richest fossil sites in the world. Over the past 40 years bones of 200 different kinds of animals, many of them new to science have been recovered. A few years after mining operations ceased in 1993, a 14 ha fossil-rich area within the mine property was declared a National Heritage Site. Iziko Museums of Cape Town and SAMANCOR launched the Fossil Park in 1998 to bring palaeontology to the public.

The first phase of the West Coast Fossil Park was launched by Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Dr Pallo Jordan on 22nd September 1998. Guest speakers included Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout, Dr Mike Cluver, Mr Mike Salamon, Mr Wynand Dreyer and Ms Laurine Platzky. A test trench was excavated by a contract Archaeology team from UCT and the remains of several extinct giraffes called sivatheres were uncovered and left "in situ" for public viewing. This first phase also included the renovation of the old Chemfos mine office block to provide a display area, lecture room, laboratory, offices, tea room, curio shop and research accommodation for a team of up to 12 people.

Location

The West Coast Fossil Park is situated 120km north of Cape Town along the R27 from the city,just a stone's throw from Jane's Guest House. It is linked to the West Coast National Park and other tourist attractions in the area.

The main tour runs from 11.30 – 13.00hrs every day of the week and includes a slide presentation and visit to the dig site.
Mini tours are available every hour from 9.00 -15.00 weekdays (except at 12.00).

Tel: 022-7661606 for mini-tour times over weekends and public holidays. The mini tour includes a visit to the dig site.

Large or small groups can be accommodated on tours. Programmes for larger groups (55pax+) will have to be discussed and possibly put on a tour “rotation” system.

There's a kiddie’s play park, gift shop, picnic areas, as well as a lovely coffee shop.

Opening Times:

• Monday - Friday
  08H00 to 16H00
• Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
  Tel: 022 - 7661606 for opening times

Entrance Fees:

• Adults: R10.00
• Seniors and students: R6.00
• Children over 5: R4.00

Tour Tariff (Includes Entrance Fee)

• Adults: R50.00
• Learners: R15.00
• Seniors and students: R25.00
• Children under 5: No Charge
• Tour Guides, Teachers & their Coach Driver: No Charge

Tour Times

• Main Tour
  11.30 Monday to Sunday
  Includes a slide presentation or DVD and a guided tour to the Excavation site
  Duration: 1.30 hours
• Mini Tours
  Weekdays: Every hour from 10.00 -15.00 (except 12.00).
  Weekends: Every hour in the morning from 9.00 -11.00.
  Includes a guided tour to our Excavation site with no slide show
  Duration: about 40 minutes

Other Activities

Four Cycle Trails

• Cycling trail: 3.5km-10km and includes, 4 different routes to choose from
  R60 per person to hire a bicycle
  R20 per person using own bicycle

• Restoration Trail:
  R10.00 p/person
  Self guided peaceful walk which takes you to the bird hide and through the indigenous flora.

• Horse Riding Trails
  Book with Brenda Winder: 083 477 1756

• Children's Play Park
  Situated in a garden area; also suitable for picnics

• Coffee Shop and Gift Shop
  Available during opening hours providing tasty home baked selection of eats and some interesting local craft and books

Contact

Telephone: +27 (0)22 766 1606
Fax: +27 (0)22 766 1765
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Postal Address

West Coast Fossil Park
PO Box 42
Langebaan
7375