Silverback Carbon Storm 29er

West Coast Fossil Park MTB Trails (Closest town/ city: Vredenburg)

Western Cape - West Coast

West Coast Fossil Park MTB Trails

CLOSEST TOWNVredenburg

TRAIL DESTINATION > West Coast Fossil Park

DISTANCE > 3.5km to 10km

GRADING > Easy or moderate

fossil_mtb

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the fresh west coast air and take a cycle through the Fossil Park. They have a selection of four trails, ranging from 3.5km to 10km, which are of varying degrees of difficulty. They go through a number of different rehabilitated areas in the Fossil Park and they 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 dig site. 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 there 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.

CONTACT:

Contact: West Coast Fossil Park

Tel: +27 (0)22 766 1606

Fax: +27 (0)22 766 1765

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.fossilpark.org.za

GPS: 32°57'26.03"S  18° 7'2.83"E

Weather:{weather Vredenburg, South Africa}

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Easy to moderate

DURATION:

Depending on route chosen, 1 - 2 Hours.

CONFIGURATION :

Four different trails - 3.5km, 6km, 8km, 10km.

START POINT:

Visitors Centre – West Coast Fossil Park

TERRAIN:

Jeep track and dirt roads.

MAP:

Ask at reception.

CELL RECEPTION:

Yes

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

If you bring your own bicycle the cost is R20.00 per person.

Bikes are available for hire at a cost of R60.00 per person for 2½ hours.

FACILITIES:

Coffee shop, toilets, garden for picnics. Bring your own bike or hire from the Park.

BEWARE OF:

Stay on the trail.

 

fossil

HOW TO GET THERE

The West Coast Fossil Park is situated 120km north of Cape Town, an easy one and a half hour's drive from Cape Town along the R27.

Take the N1 out of Cape Town, after some 5 km, on your left, you will see the turn off onto the R27. Drive the R27 for roughly 110km until, on your left, you will see a large Engen 1 Stop Garage.

Just past the garage take the first turning to your right, which is sign-posted Langebaanweg Airforce Base.

Continue down the road for approximately 8km until the road meets a T-junction. Turn left onto the R45.

Some 3km down the road on your left, you will see the entrance to the West Coast Fossil Park.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Rain occurs mainly from May to August; summers are dry and windy – the overall climate is temperate.