Diepkloof Rock Shelter

The stone structure sits 17 kilometers from the Atlantic coast, featuring quartzite sandstone formations and overlooking the Verlorenvlei River.

Archaeological excavations since 1973 have revealed continuous Stone Age sequences, with human occupation evidence dating back approximately 65,000 years.

Researchers discovered engraved ostrich eggshell water containers with geometric patterns, indicating early human symbolic communication and group identity markers.

The site remains open for research teams and scheduled visitor tours, with guided explanations about prehistoric human settlements and archaeological findings.

Exceptional preservation conditions at the shelter maintained organic materials including wood, grass, seeds, and fruits from prehistoric times.

Location: Western Cape

Part of: The Emergence of Modern Humans: The Pleistocene occupation sites of South Africa

GPS coordinates: -32.38667,18.45278

Latest update: May 22, 2025 08:08