Travel Guides Southern Africa - Wildlife, Game Reserves, Safaris, Photographic Safaris, Birding Safaris, Hiking

ADVERTISE IN THE 2010 SOUTHERN AFRICA TRAVEL GUIDE SERIES  |  HOME  

National Heritage Site
Province: Northwest Province
Taung Heritage Site
Main Attractions: Taung Skull

TAUNG SKULL SITE / THE BLUE POOLS PICNIC AREA
Tel: + 27 (0)53 994-1975


The Taung Heritage Site is dedicated to the discovery of the skull belonging to an early hominid, named "Australopithecus africanus" meaning the "southern ape of Africa". A monument to the discovery is at the site and an old mine tunnel has been opened for exploration. 

Taung Heritage Site
An archaeological site where the Taung skull (Australophitecus africanus) was discovered in 1924 and later described by the noted scientist Dr Raymond Dart, The discovery of the Taung child skull at the Buxton quarry was heralded as one of the most significant archaeological events of the time and caused an enormous amount of discussion, both in support of, and against the scientific classification given by Dr Raymond Dart. The find effectively advanced the evidence of the existence of early man in Africa by more than a million years. The Buxton quarry, which is no longer being mined, remains an important scientific research site and is also a place of great peace and tranquillity. At the Taung crossroad, turn to the west for 4km then left to Pampierstad for 6,5km then right for 3,8km to the Buxton quarry. Indicator boards will lead you to the gates.

Blue Pools
A popular picnic site at the Buxton quarry at the Taung Heritage Site. Barbecue facilities are set alongside a pristine spring winding through an ancient limestone valley.