This ArchSoc excursion by coach will visit the Karoo heartland with its extraordinary palaeontological heritage. Prof. Bruce Rubidge, who has relocated to Graaff-Reinet, will provide us first-hand knowledge of the area’s world-famous fossil heritage. Visit the spectacular geology of the Valley of Desolation, view the Rubidge Fossil Collection, the Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre and the Owl House in Nieu- Bethesda, see a remarkable fossil site on Doringplaas and spend an evening over wine at the Reinet House Museum listening to the dramatic history of Graaff-Reinet. We will be staying at the Ganora Guestfarm, which has its own fossil and archaeological collection. There will be time to explore Graaff- Reinet. On the return journey, stop for the night at Cradock to visit the Olive Schreiner House and the Great Fish River museums.

• Please contact Anne Raeburn anner@mweb.co.za to book
• Tour price: R6 800 per person sharing
• Included in cost
  • Coach transport on a 36/38-seater coach with two drivers;
  • three nights’ accommodation at Ganora Guestfarm and one night at Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor;
  • three breakfasts and two dinners at Ganora;
  • dinner and breakfast at the hotel in Cradock;
  • talk and guided tours of the museum and rock painting site at Ganora;
  • talk and scene-setting talk by Prof. Bruce Rubidge at Wellwood Farm and visit to the Rubidge fossil Collection;
  • visit to the Doringplaas fossil site;
  • transport and guides to the Valley of Desolation;
  • entrance fees to the Kitching Fossil Centre, the Owl House, the Camdeboo National Park, the Oliver Schreiner House and Great Fish River museums;
  • the Reinet House historical function with wine; the accompaniment of Prof. Bruce Rubidge and an ArchSoc tour leader; safe vehicle parking in Johannesburg.
• Not included: Lunches and refreshments on all five days and dinner on 7 October. Sundowner drinks at the Valley of Desolation are for own account. All personal expenses.
• Single supplement: Subject to availability and individual quotation depending on accommodation booking. 
• Minimum group size: The tour price is based on a minimum of 25 paying participants. Should this number not be reached, a price adjustment may be required. 
• Bookings: Please book with Anne Raeburn via email at anner@mweb.co.za. Normal ArchSoc booking conditions for outings apply. Bookings will be taken in order of receipt. Members who booked on this tour prior its postponement/cancellation owing to Covid will be given preference. 
• Booking confirmation: Your booking will only be firm once confirmed by email by Anne. The deposit will then be due immediately.