Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September 2026
Programme starts at 13h00
Join the Friends for a unique opportunity to spend a weekend at the West Coast Fossil Park. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the fossils found at this site when a phosphate mine was started in the area in the 1960s. Fossils include gomphotheres (four-tusked elephant), sivatherers (short-necked giraffe), brown ears, sabre-toothed cats, a myriad of rodents and frogs as well as birds such as owls. What makes the Fossil Park unique is that remains an active dig site where scientists from all over the world come to excavate.
The weekend includes a tour of the museum and the dig site, taking part in a dig, listening to a talk by the manager of the Fossil Park, Pippa Haarhoff, a lecture on citizen science and a nature and stone tool walk. Participants will also have the opportunity to sift through microfauna and learn about the rehabilitation of the mine. This full weekend has something for everyone – including fynbos, palaeontology and archaeology.
For those who wish to, this is an opportunity to add on a day or two to look at the flowers of the West Coast.
The participation fee is R3,500.00 per person sharing, which includes:
Accommodation at Juffroushoogte Guest House with:
- En-suite bathroom in every room
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Bar fridge
- Television with SABC channels (selected DSTV channels available in the pub)
- Breakfast and Dinner are included in the cost
The fee also includes entry to the West Coast Fossil Park and participation in the weekend programme. Please refer to the attached itinerary for full details.
Please note that lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be at the Fossil Park café and is for your own account.
To secure your booking:
- Please email the Friends of Iziko South African Museum at samfriends@iziko.org.
- A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.
- As accommodation is limited, early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
