West Coast Fossil Park - Western Cape
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The West Coast Fossil Park is one of the richest fossil sites in the world, containing a treasure trove of fossils that date back approximately 5 million years. © West Coast Fossil Park
West Coast Fossil Park - Western Cape
The West Coast Fossil Park is a renowned paleontological site located near Langebaan on the Cape West Coast of South Africa. It is one of the richest fossil sites in the world, containing a treasure trove of fossils that date back approximately 5 million years. The park is famous for its well-preserved fossils of extinct animals, including short-necked giraffes, saber-toothed cats, African bears, and ancient elephants. These fossils provide a glimpse into the ancient landscapes and ecosystems of the region.
The West Coast Fossil Park offers guided tours where visitors can explore the excavation site and view fossils in situ. The park also features a museum with interactive exhibits that detail the history of the area and the various species that once roamed the region. In addition to its paleontological significance, the park also has walking trails and picnic spots, making it a great destination for a family outing.
In 1958 an employee at the Chemfos Mine, Mr. I S Brown, showed researchers what appeared to be fossils that had been unearthed while excavating material from the company's phosphate mine in Langabaanweg. Subsequent investigation revealed that they were indeed fossils dating back nearly 5 million years ago. One of the fossils was identified as being a tooth of a prehistoric elephant, while the other specimen turned out to be an anklebone of a long-extinct short-necked giraffe.
For the next 40 years palaeontologists worked in close cooperation with the mine, and continued to unravel evidence of the fascinating world that once existed in this now rather dry windswept region. The mine was eventually de-commissioned in 1993 and administration was handed over to the South African Museum and SAMANCOR, whereby the West Coast Fossil Park came into existence.
Over the years the Fossil Park has proven to be one of the world's richest fossil sites in the world and has recently been declared a World Heritage Site.
The following are some of the more interesting fossils discovered so far:
- a sabre-toothed cat
- a three-toed horse dating back 12 million years
- the gomphothere elephant extinct for over 2 million years
- Agriotherium africanum - a large bear-like creature
Contact details for the West Coast Fossil Park:
Address: West Coast Fossil Park, R45, Langebaanweg, West Coast, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)22 766 1606
Email: info@fossilpark.org.za
Website: www.fossilpark.org.za
Accommodation Near West Coast Fossil Park - Western Cape
Masada Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
11.4km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeSituated on an enormous equestrian estate overlooking the north side of Saldanha Bay, privately owned Masada Guest House offers the greatest accommodation in Langebaan in a laid back country style atmosphere... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Anchor Bay
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
12.4km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeAnchor Bay, a home away from home, is a self-catering house (sleeps 7) located in the small lagoon town of Skiathos, Langebaan on the Cape West Coast. Anchor Bay is within walking distance of Club Mykonos, the beach and Laguna Mall. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Paradise Beach Apartments Langebaan
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
12.6km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeParadise Beach Apartments are self catering accommodation apartments in Langebaan on the Cape West Coast. There are 6 units to choose from. Wake up to the peaceful sounds of waves breaking and song of wild birds at Perle of Paradise Self Catering... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
El Sueno de Helena
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
12.7km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeEl Sueno de Helena self catering house situated in Paradise Beach, Langebaan offers 3 bedrooms with 2.5 bathrooms. Very safe double security gated village with entire private beach only for residents. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mykonos Sunset Beach House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
12.9km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeMykonos Sunset Beach House offers 2 self catering apartments (6-sleeper and 8-sleeper) in the lovely Club Mykonos Resort at Langebaan on the Cape West Coast. This freestanding house is perched on the hillside with picturesque views from the balconies... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Club Mykonos K420
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
12.9km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeClub Mykonos K420 is a self catering apartment (sleeps 4) located on the serene shores of the scenic Langebaan Lagoon. Club Mykonos is a family friendly West Coast beach resort in South Africa that provides a unique and exciting holiday, as well as... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Holiday Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
15.2km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeHoliday Guest House, Langebaan is true to its name. We offer luxury and classic suites, allowing you to relax the way you prefer to during your stay in Langebaan. We offer the option of accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis and also Self Catering... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Greystones Beach House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
16.3km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeOn the beach front, close to restaurants and shops, Greystones Beach House provides luxury self-catering accommodation for eight people. Ideally situated for watersports, bird life and wild flowers of Langebaan Lagoon. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Glenfinnan Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Langebaan
16.5km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeGlenfinnan Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Langebaan, Cape West Coast. Picturesque Langebaan... breath-taking... stunning panoramic sea, Bay and lagoon views of emerald green waters and pristine white sandy beaches. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Seagulls Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
16.8km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeSeagulls Guest House provides self catering flatlet accommodation in Langebaan, Cape West Coast. We provide affordable, fully-equipped and neat self-catering units, designed to cater for intimate couple's vacations or fun family getaways or large groups. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Laguna Mall (12.20km)
- Club Mykonos Casino - Langebaan, Cape West Coast (12.72km)
- Elandsfontein Private Nature Reserve - Cape West Coast (13.17km)
- Langebaan Golf and Country Estate (13.80km)
- Hopefield Private Nature Reserve - Hopefield, Cape West Coast (14.52km)
- The Strandloper Restaurant (14.65km)
- Weskus Mall (16.65km)
- Namaqualand Wildflower Route (18.17km)
- Berg River Estuary - Velddrif, Cape West Coast (18.48km)
- Hoedjies Bay - Saldanha, Cape West Coast (19.01km)
- Bokkom Laan - Velddrif, Western Cape (19.11km)
