Phosphate mining near Langebaan on South Africa’s West Coast unearthed a rich find of fossils belonging to some 200 different kinds of animals dating back to about 5-million years. At this time the area looked very different from what it does today, with the sub-tropical riverine forests and wooded savanna roamed by relatives of today’s elephants, short-necked giraffes, hippos, three-toed horses, hyenas, sabre-toothed cats and even an African bear! The West Coast Fossil Park is a declared national heritage site and the visitor centre and a preserved portion of the actual dig site gives a fascinating glimpse into this prehistoric world. A small curio shop and restaurant is also available on the premises. There’s an extensive network of hiking and mountain bike trails available at the fossil park for those interested in experiencing the fauna and flora that currently occur in this part of our country.
Remember that DeWetsWild can assist you with bookings if you are planning a visit to the West Coast – either in the West Coast National Park or at the Port Owen Marina in nearby Velddrif.
DeWetsWild 
En tot my skande moet ek erken ek was nog nie hier nie … wel, ek was (soort van) … by die restaurant vir ‘n verjaarsdag ontbyt 😏. Nou laat jy dit so interessant klink dat ek dink ek het iets gemis!
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Dis beslis die moeite en toegangsfooi werd, Corna – maak n draai wanneer julle weer in julle ou geweste is!
Baie dankie ook dat jy so lekker by ons gekuier het vandag!
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5 miljoen jaar is ‘n baie lang tyd. Ek’s gefassineerd oor sulke goed wat opgediep word. In Nieu Betesda kan jy ook ‘n toer onderneem, maar daar vertel hul dat ? jare terug, die karoo ‘n massiewe groot meer was. Baie interressante goed.
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Ongelooflik om te dink hoe anders ons land gelyk het al daai tyd terug, is dit nie, Elsabe!? Die tyd wat die Karoo eintlik n vlak see was was baie langer terug in die verlede – nog voor die dinosaurusse – en om te dink die fossiele van reptiele wat so lank terug geskep is is nogsteeds hier met ons is verbysterend! In die ruskamp by Karoo Nasionale Park is n kort roetetjie wat n mens so tussen bewaarde fossiele kan deurstap. Ons gaan kyk elke keer as ons daar is.
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Isn’t it amazing to think of those creatures you mention roaming around the country!
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It really makes the imagination race, Anne – bears at the southern end of Africa!?!?
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I love to see fossils. I have some fossils in a small collection I have. Thanks, D. 🙂
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I’m sure you treasure those fossils of yours, H.J!
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My husband would love this! Reminds me of a large fossil find in Nebraska that we were fortunate to see some years ago: https://ashfall.unl.edu/about-ashfall/overview.html. Fascinating stuff.
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Wow, Janet, I can see why our West Coast Fossil Park reminds you of the Ashfall Fossil Bed – it’s as if it was built off the same blueprint!
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This wouldbe fascinating to see. Thanks for sharing the photos.
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We’re glad to share this place with people that appreciate its specialness like you do, Anne!
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Find such fossilized discoveries absolutely fascinating! A glimpse back in time….
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We do too, Lori, which makes the West Coast Fossil Park an absolute must-see for people “like us”… 😀
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