Authentic, beautiful and informative, West Coast Fossil Park, is an area world renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved five million years old fossil and faunal remains.

We will be hosted by founding director Pippa Haarhoff who manages with great love and attention to detail this ”must visit” place. Pippa is a paleontologist, studying at the University of Cape Town, then working at the national museum, now called Iziko South African Museum, before working at the Fossil Park.

Designed by highly respected South African architect, Emeritus Professor Jo Noero, the buildings nestle into the landscape. To quote Visi magazine “The vision is that over time, the buildings will form a part of the physical site so that its placement will blur the sharp distinction between building and landscape. The architecture also celebrates the use of natural light, free-flowing forms and natural earthy tones.” Previous Culture Connect tours, Jo has joined us giving a brief talk beforehand.

A highlight is the dig site; the only place in Southern Africa where you can see fossils in situ ie still in the rock.