West Coast Fossil Park
About 20 minutes from Langebaan, West Coast Fossil Park is one of the richest fossil sites in the world. It was discovered by chance while the area was being mined for phosphates in the 1950s. Since then, more than 200 kinds of fossilized animals have been collected, including the fearsome African bear, which used to roam this area. The park has been declared a national monument, and the curators have done much to make the park as accessible as possible. There are interactive guided tours, hiking trails through the area, and interesting archaeological workshops for all ages. There's also a children's play park and a coffee shop where you can sample South African specialities like roosterkoek (dough cooked over coals and filled with meat, cheese, or jam).
