The Fossil Park near Langebaan in the Western Cape can be found roughly 120 Kilometres from Cape Town and is well worth a visit for those who show a keen interest in prehistoric life in South Africa and on earth. The site was first discovered by phosphate mining operations in the 1950’s but it was only in 1993 when mining was then brought to a halt and the property was declared a national heritage site which is now operated by the Iziko Museums of Cape Town. Well informed guides are giving daily tours of the digging sites to those who visit this popular tourist destination on the R45 road of the West Coast.
Thousands of bones dug up at the Fossil Park near Langebaan can be seen by tourists and visitors and the site attracts interest from people all over the world. The African bear, Giraffe and Sabre-Tooth Cats are among some of the fossilised animals been discovered at the digging sites within which archaeologists continue to uncover new findings regularly. The park is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations on the West Coast of South Africa which has become a popular attraction for both adults and children alike.
The guided tours are interesting and educational and provide visitors with a much better idea of what they are seeing, how climate changes occurred in the region and possible theories as to how many animals ended up being fossilised in one region. Apart from this popular tourist attraction there are other things to do in the immediate region including mountain biking or a trip into Langebaan and Saldanha themselves to see the sights and hear the sounds of these scenic towns. If you are heading up the west coast or looking to get out of Cape Town for a day trip somewhere interesting then a guided tour at the Fossil Park near Langebaan in the Western Cape is well worth the visit.