5-Day Cape to Karoo Geological Tour with Fossils and Swartberg Pass

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the geological formations of the Cape Supergroup and the Great Karoo
• 02 Discover fossil sites near Fraserburg showcasing footprints of early reptiles
• 03 Journey through the Swartberg Pass and witness striking folded rock formations
• 04 Learn about the region's palaeontological history with expert South African guides

Explore South Africa's remarkable geological wonders on this 5-day Western Cape tour. Visit Darwin's famous Sea Point outcrop, trace the Cape Supergroup formations, and uncover fossils in the Karoo National Park. Discover the ancient Dwyka and Beaufort Group rocks, walk fossil trails near Fraserburg, and marvel at folded strata along the Swartberg Pass. Journey through Meiringspoort and the Little Karoo, gaining insight into the region's extraordinary geological history and landscapes.

Discover the ancient Dwyka and Beaufort Group rocks, walk fossil trails near Fraserburg, and marvel at folded strata along the Swartberg Pass.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Cape Town, Worcester, Oudtshoorn, Ceres, Karoo

Languages Afrikaans, English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Cape Town to the Great Karoo Geology Route

• Begin your journey at Sea Point, Cape Town, where Darwin once studied a famous geological contact zone.
• Continue north to Blaauwberg Beach and Yzerfontein to explore distinctive volcanic and igneous formations.
• Travel inland toward the Cape Mountains near Ceres and Worcester to examine the Cape Supergroup Formation.
• Pass through De Doorns and proceed to your accommodation near the Great Karoo.

2

Day 02

Beaufort West and Karoo National Park Fossils

• Travel through Matjiesfontein to explore the glacial rocks of the Dwyka Formation.
• Visit Laingsburg to view the Ecca Shales and a fossilised tree trunk preserved in rock.
• Continue through Beaufort Group formations and arrive at Beaufort West.
• Explore the Karoo National Park and its fossil trail showcasing ancient geological history.

3

Day 03

Fraserburg Fossil Trail and Karoo Reptiles

• Journey to Fraserburg via a scenic pass revealing outstanding Beaufort Group rock exposures.
• Join a guided fossil tour featuring preserved footprints and fossils of early Karoo reptiles predating dinosaurs.
• Return to Beaufort West for overnight accommodation.

4

Day 04

Prins Albert and the Swartberg Pass

• Travel south to the charming town of Prins Albert at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains.
• Explore the Swartberg Pass, observing dramatic folded rock formations of the Cape Fold Mountains.
• Witness some of the finest examples of geological uplift and folding in South Africa.

5

Day 05

Klein Karoo Geology and Return to Cape Town

• Journey through the stunning Meiringspoort to view an excellent over-thrust fault.
• Continue to De Rust and Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo to explore the Enon Formation.
• Discover the region's unique geology before returning to Cape Town.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up and return to your accommodation or hotel in Cape Town
• Safe and comfortable transport in air-conditioned minibuses or 4x4 vehicles when necessary
• Expert and friendly South African guides
• Comfortable accommodation at hotels, guesthouses, or National Parks chalets
• Meals - breakfast and dinner included (lunch and drinks for the client's own account)
• Entrance fees (excluding optional extras, if any)
• Water

What's Not Included

• Lunches
• Drinks and snacks

What to bring

• Appropriate clothing according to the season
• Hat and sunscreen
• Binoculars

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Cape Town, South Africa

Tour start

Cape Town, South Africa

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.