Closest Town: Vredenburg
Grading: Easy to intermediate
Duration: Depending on route chosen, 1 - 2 Hours.
Location (Area/Province): Cape West Coast and Western Cape
Configuration: Four different trails - 3km, 6km, 8km, 10km.
Start Point: Visitors Centre – West Coast Fossil Park
Access: If you bring your own bicycle, the cost is R20.00 per person.
Beware of: Going off-course! Stay on the trail.
Facilities: Coffee shop, toilets, garden for picnics. Bring your own bike or hire from the Park.
Cell Reception: Yes
Enjoy the fresh west coast air and take a cycle through the West Coast Fossil Park. They have a selection of four trails, ranging from 3km to 10km, which are of varying degrees of difficulty. They go through a number of different rehabilitated areas in the Fossil Park and are an excellent opportunity to experience firsthand the unique West Coast flora and fauna.
On your bike
The ride starts at the visitors’ centre from where there are four different marked trails. The trails utilise the old mining roads on the property, and there are some tricky uphill and downhill sections for the adventurous. The northern end of the park has a good view of the Saldanha and Vredenberg areas. The route along the western end leads to the longest climb of the ride with a view over the digsite. The trail then passes the bird-hide and from here leads back to the visitors’ centre.
Off the bike
For hikers there is a lovely nature trail, or you may go horse riding around the park. They offer a variety of intellectual, physical and gastronomic activities! You can take one of their fossil tours and enjoy a fascinating journey back into the past to some 5 million years ago, enjoy a tasty meal/tea at the coffee shop, or have a picnic in the lovely garden area while your children play in the play park.
GPS: 32°57’26.03″ South / 18° 7’2.83″East
