General Activity Information
Location and Setting
The West Coast Fossil Park lies a short drive inland from Langebaan and the Atlantic shoreline of
South Africa’s Cape West Coast. Today the surrounding landscape is characterised by low fynbos,
farmlands and coastal plains, but the fossils preserved here tell a very different story – one of
ancient rivers, wetlands and woodlands that once supported an extraordinary diversity of animals.
The park combines an active excavation site with a modern visitor centre and interpretive
displays, making it an easy and engaging stop on a broader West Coast journey. It is close enough
to Cape Town for a long day trip, but also fits naturally into itineraries that include Langebaan,
the West Coast National Park or the wildflower routes further north.
What to Expect During a Visit
A typical visit begins at the main visitor centre, where you receive an introduction to the
geology and history of the area before moving on to the fossil dig site itself. Guided tours take
you onto a covered viewing platform overlooking exposed fossil beds, with your guide explaining
how the bones were discovered, extracted and dated, and what they reveal about the ancient
environment.
Inside the exhibition spaces, reconstructed skeletons, life-size models and interpretive panels
bring long-extinct animals to life – from three-toed horses and sabre-toothed cats to ancestral
forms of giraffe, elephants, antelope and hyenas. Between or after tours, visitors can enjoy
short walking and cycling trails in the surrounding reserve, a café stop, and time for children
to explore the more hands-on elements of the museum.
Who It Suits and Practical Notes
The West Coast Fossil Park is particularly well-suited to families, school groups and anyone with
an interest in natural history, geology or palaeontology. Because most of the visit is centred
around guided talks and indoor or semi-sheltered areas, it makes an excellent complement to more
traditional outdoor sightseeing along the coast, and can be enjoyed in most weather conditions.
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun protection are recommended, especially if you plan to
combine the guided fossil tour with one of the short trails. Tour times and opening hours are
structured, so it is worth planning your day’s route with a specific time slot in mind, allowing
enough time to connect your visit with flower viewing, beach stops or wine estates in the wider
region.
