West Coast Fossil Park - Western Cape
Fossils in situ at the West Coast Fossil Park excavation. © 
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 ParkWest 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: see website
Website: https://fossilpark.org.za
Verblyf Naby West Coast Fossil Park - Western Cape
Masada Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
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Anchor Bay
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
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Paradise Beach Apartments Langebaan
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
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El Sueno de Helena
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
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Mykonos Sunset Beach House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
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Club Mykonos K420
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
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Holiday Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
15.2km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeVakansie Gastehuis, Langebaan is getrou aan sy naam. Ons bied luukse en klassieke suites, wat jou toelaat om te ontspan soos jy verkies om tydens jou verblyf in Langebaan. Ons bied die opsie van verblyf op 'n Bed en Ontbyt basis en ook Selfsorg... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Greystones Beach House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Langebaan
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Glenfinnan Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Langebaan
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Seagulls Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Langebaan
16.8km from West Coast Fossil Park - Western CapeSeagulls Guest House bied selfsorgwoonstelverblyf in Langebaan, Kaapse Weskus. Ons bied bekostigbare, volledig toegeruste en netjiese selfsorg-eenhede, ontwerp om voorsiening te maak vir intieme paartjie se vakansies of prettige gesinswegbreek of groot gr …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
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- Olifantskop (12.26km)
- Mykonos (12.31km)
- Skiathos (12.42km)
- Paradise Beach, Langebaan (12.71km)
- Calypso Beach (13.05km)
- Langebaan Country Estate (13.68km)
- Waterfront, Langebaan (13.76km)
- The Cove, Langebaan (13.83km)
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- Hartebeesfontein (14.98km)
- Langebaan (16.03km)
- Myburgh Park (16.21km)
- Vredenburg (16.52km)
- Laguna Mall - Langebaan, West Coast (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 - Langebaan, West Coast (13.80km)
- Hopefield Private Nature Reserve - Hopefield, Cape West Coast (14.52km)
- Die Strandloper Restaurant - Langebaan, Western Cape (14.65km)
- Weskus Mall - Vredenburg, Cape West Coast (16.65km)
- Berg River Estuary - Velddrif, Cape West Coast (18.48km)
- Hoedjies Bay - Saldanha, Cape West Coast (19.01km)
- Bokkom Laan - Velddrif, Western Cape (19.11km)
- Langebaan Lagoon - Langebaan, Cape West Coast (19.20km)
