Point of Human Origin

Along the rocky coastline of Mossel Bay, a series of caves at Pinnacle Point has reshaped how scientists understand the origins of modern humans. Discovered during an environmental impact survey in the early 2000s, the caves revealed evidence that Homo sapiens lived here between roughly 150,000 and 200,000 years ago.

The finds suggest that part of the small ancestral population from which all living humans descend occupied this stretch of coast, leaving behind traces of early tool use, and coastal foraging.

Today, this research continues as part of an international project led by Professor Curtis Marean, involving dozens of scientists from around the world. The discoveries are made accessible through the Human Origins Experience, which offers guided visits to the caves and contextual presentations by real researchers.

A unique experience, as not many such locations allow tourists to visit archeological locations of such great importance. However, as the visits partially fund the research, tourists are welcomed.