West Coast Fossil Park

West Coast Fossil Park Visit the West Coast Fossil Park close to Langebaan, Western Cape, South Africa. Daily dig tours.

See the fossils of bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and the many other animals which inhabited the west coast area some 5 million years ago.

A little reminder that there’s so much more to discover at the West Coast Fossil Park than what lies beneath our feet. 🐦...
06/09/2026

A little reminder that there’s so much more to discover at the West Coast Fossil Park than what lies beneath our feet. 🐦🌿
From busy weavers carefully constructing their nests to tiny birds perched among the branches, the Park is alive with activity above ground too.
Next time you visit, slow down, look up and see who you can spot along the way. 👀

📸 Beautifully captured by Trevor Hall.

Plan your visit today, www.fossilpark.org.za

🌸 Fossil Friday | When fossils preserve more than just boneMost fossils preserve only hard parts like bones or shells. S...
04/09/2026

🌸 Fossil Friday | When fossils preserve more than just bone

Most fossils preserve only hard parts like bones or shells. Soft tissues usually decay long before fossilisation can occur.

That's why scientists were amazed to discover 450-million-year-old soft tissue preserved inside a fossil sea lily (crinoid). It's one of only two known examples of soft tissue preservation in these ancient marine animals, offering an extraordinary glimpse into anatomy that is almost always lost to time.

Exceptional fossils like these remind us that, under just the right conditions, nature can preserve details that seem impossible (even after nearly half a billion years).

03/09/2026

A little piece of the Fossil Park to take home with you. 🦴🤎

After you’ve explored millions of years of history, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave. From keepsakes and little treasures to gifts for fellow fossil lovers, it’s the perfect way to remember your adventure. Because some discoveries are simply too good to leave behind. ✨

Explore. Discover. Take a little piece of the adventure home.

02/09/2026

Escape the ordinary and step back 5 million years for an unforgettable weekend at the West Coast Fossil Park! 🦴🌿

Imagine spending your days exploring an active fossil dig site, uncovering ancient microfossils, walking through breathtaking West Coast Sandveld, learning about archaeology and stone tools, and hearing fascinating talks from the scientists and experts who bring this incredible landscape to life.
This immersive Weekend Away includes:
🦣 Guided tours of the museum and active fossil dig site
⛏️ The chance to participate in a mock fossil dig
🔬 Hands-on microfauna sifting
🎤 Expert talks on palaeontology, citizen science and mine rehabilitation
🌼 A guided nature and stone tool walk
🏡 Two nights' accommodation at Juffroushoogte Guest House
🍽️ Breakfast and dinner included
🎟️ Entry to the West Coast Fossil Park and the full weekend programme
📅 4–6 September 2026
📍 West Coast Fossil Park, R45, Langebaan Road, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
💰 R3,500 per person sharing
Whether you're passionate about fossils, wildlife, history, archaeology, photography or simply looking for a truly unique weekend escape, this experience offers something you won't find anywhere else!

📧 To book your place, email [[email protected]]. A 50% deposit secures your reservation, and spaces are limited due to accommodation availability.
Travel through millions of years of history, meet like-minded nature lovers, and discover one of South Africa's most extraordinary heritage sites. We'd love to welcome you to the West Coast Fossil Park!

Every visit deserves a little keepsake. 🦴🌼Before you head home, pop into the West Coast Fossil Park Gift Shop and discov...
30/08/2026

Every visit deserves a little keepsake. 🦴🌼
Before you head home, pop into the West Coast Fossil Park Gift Shop and discover a collection inspired by the park's incredible history, unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
From fossils and educational books to locally made gifts, toys, souvenirs and treasures for nature lovers of all ages, there's something to help you remember your day long after you've left.
Whether you're shopping for a curious little explorer or treating yourself, you'll find the perfect reminder of your West Coast Fossil Park adventure.
📍 Visit the Gift Shop during your next visit.

The West Coast Fossil Park is alive with more than just fossils. 🌿🦅🐢🌼From colourful birds flitting through the trees to ...
29/08/2026

The West Coast Fossil Park is alive with more than just fossils. 🌿🦅🐢🌼
From colourful birds flitting through the trees to wildflowers blanketing the landscape in spring, and even the occasional tortoise crossing your path, there's always something to discover.
Every visit offers a chance to slow down, look a little closer, and appreciate the incredible wildlife that calls the park home. Whether you're a keen birdwatcher, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful day outdoors, there's something waiting to catch your eye.
What wildlife are you hoping to spot on your next visit? 👀

🦕 Fossil Friday | Antarctica's first dinosaur was hiding in plain sight!Sometimes the biggest discoveries aren't made in...
28/08/2026

🦕 Fossil Friday | Antarctica's first dinosaur was hiding in plain sight!

Sometimes the biggest discoveries aren't made in the field, they're made in museum collections.

A fossil unearthed in Antarctica back in 1985 was originally thought to belong to an ancient marine reptile. But after decades in storage, scientists recently re-examined it and discovered it was actually a tail vertebra from a titanosaur, a colossal long-necked dinosaur that once roamed Antarctic forests over 66 million years ago.

The find highlights the incredible scientific value of museum collections. As technology improves and our understanding grows, fossils collected decades ago can still rewrite the history of life on Earth.

The West Coast Fossil Park is more than a destination—it’s a place where the landscape tells a story millions of years i...
26/08/2026

The West Coast Fossil Park is more than a destination—it’s a place where the landscape tells a story millions of years in the making.
Every fossil uncovered, every flower in bloom, and every bird soaring overhead is part of a landscape shaped by time. Here, history isn't confined to museum displays; it's woven into the earth beneath your feet and the life that continues to thrive above it.
Come and experience where the past and present exist side by side.

Spotted 👀🐇Scrub hare right here at West Coast Fossil Park, photos by Carmen Jacobs.
25/08/2026

Spotted 👀🐇

Scrub hare right here at West Coast Fossil Park, photos by Carmen Jacobs.

25/08/2026

There's something special about remembering with the people who lived the memories alongside you.
Twenty years after working together in the phosphate mine, former colleagues returned to share stories that only they could tell - stories filled with laughter, hard work, and moments that time could never erase. ⏰️
The West Coast Fossil Park has an extraordinary history. It was once a mine, and today it's a place dedicated to preserving a world millions of years older. That layered past makes it unlike anywhere else, reminding us that while fossils preserve ancient life, reunions preserve the memories that make us human.🧡

Address

R45, Vredenburg, West Coast
Langebaanweg
7375

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 - 15:00
Tuesday 11:00 - 15:00
Wednesday 11:00 - 15:00
Thursday 23:00 - 15:00
Friday 11:00 - 15:00
Saturday 11:00 - 12:30
Sunday 11:00 - 12:30

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when West Coast Fossil Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to West Coast Fossil Park:

Shortcuts

Share

Category