Visit a real fossil dig site in the Western Cape

There’s mammoths, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes

Last updated: Tuesday, 21 January 2025

This is one of the only places in the world where you can see fossils in the same ground where they were discovered. The world-class museum in the West Coast Fossil Park has fascinating remains of African bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked long-horn giraffes, and more. It’s just R50 to enter (and R30 for kids). And families will love the walking routes, biking trails, and mock dig sites where kids can excavate bones.

See fossils in the dig site where they were discovered. Image: Sharon Waugh

FOSSILS FOUND NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH 

Five million years ago, the West Coast was a tropical paradise filled with unusual creatures, like big cats with massive fangs and strange-looking giraffes. Langebaanweg, a town 1.5 hours north of Cape Town’s CBD, is believed to have been the estuary of the ancient Berg River. This estuary’s unique conditions enabled it to preserve some of the fossils of the animals that lived in that time. 

At the West Coast Fossil Park, the museum tells the story of this time and displays fossils of over 300 species of animals that have been discovered here. Like African bears, short-necked long-horn giraffes, sabre-tooth cats, wolverines, giant pigs, and even mammoths (but not the woolly kind), among others. Many of the species have been found nowhere else on Earth.

Learn about the strange creatures that once lived in the Western Cape. Image: Sharon Waugh

TOUR A REAL FOSSIL DIG SITE  

At West Coast Fossil Park you can tour an actual fossil dig site where fossils lie exposed in the ground where they were discovered (this is a separate ticketed experience to the museum).

A knowledgeable guide helps to paint a picture of what happened on this site, how the landscape changed, and how the estuary was able to preserve the fossils of these creatures for millions of years. 

The guide will also help you to identify the body parts of some of the various animal fossils lying here. While dominated by sivathere (a short-necked giraffe), it’s not hard to see why the West Coast Fossil Park is the best place in South Africa to see fossils in terms of number, age, and diversity of species.


Experience one of the few fossil dig sites in the world open to the public. Image: West Coast Fossil Park

MOCK DIG SITES FOR KIDS  

A number of kids activities are available for curious explorers. Kids will love the mock dig site, where they’re given instruments to remove and identify real modern animal bones (like cow bones).

There’s also a mini-lab where they learn about fossil types and paint a fossil cast. Kids can explore the mock dig site as part of the guided tour. 

And if you’re looking for something more active, there’s a 1km kiddies trail where children are taught about animal tracks, vegetation, and rock types.

Little explorers get a chance to feel like real palaeontologists in the kids’ activities. Image: West Coast Fossil Park

WALKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS  

The 700-hectare National Heritage Site was previously a phosphate mine that has been rehabilitated. For active nature enthusiasts there’s a 3.5km walking trail or cycling trails that range from 3.5km to 10km in length where they can experience the local fynbos. Bicycles are not included so you are required to bring your own. 

Ornithologists are in for a treat as over 115 recorded species of birds have been spotted on the property which also features a bird hide. Tortoises also live in the fynbos, along with snakes and various other creatures. Walkers and cyclists are advised to keep to the pathways and not touch the animals.

In springtime, the West Coast Fossil Park makes for a great alternative to some of the more overpopulated parks filled with visitors travelling to this part of the country to see the wildflowers.

Explore the National Heritage Site on walking and cycling trails.  Image: West Coast Fossil Park

THERE’S A RESTAURANT ON SITE, TOO  

The West Coast Fossil Park Restaurant, run by West Sands Caterers, serves a menu full of delicious budget-friendly dishes that obviously includes a kiddies menu.  Highlights include classics like toasted sandwiches, burgers, and salads as well as  local favourites like roosterkoek. Breakfast is also available all day with options starting from just R55

The park also offers conference, wedding and event facilities, an amphitheatre, and a gift shop so you can take a souvenir home with you. For more, see the West Coast Fossil Park website.

Tasty and affordable treats on the menu at the onsite restaurant. Image: Sharon Waugh

VISIT THE WEST COAST FOSSIL PARK

West Coast Fossil Park is open: Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 3pm

Find it: R45, Langebaanweg, Vredenburg, West Coast

Contact on: 022 766 1606 | edu@fossilpark.org.za
Museum entry fee: R50 (adults), R30 (children)
Dig site tour: R100 (adults), R50 (children)
Walking trail: R30 (adults), R20 (children)
Cycling trail: R50 (adults), R30 (children)
See more: Via the West Coast Fossil Park website 

By Sharon Waugh

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FOR MORE FAMILY FUN 

Find more cheap things to do with kids. 
 
See 120 bird species and 212 indigenous plants at Intaka Island.

Here are our 15 rare discoveries at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Looking for more to do? Check out our weekend guide.

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