Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati: Taung, Rock Art and Landscape

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District brings together several distinct themes for trip planning: the paleoanthropological significance of the Taung Fossil Site, the town’s diamond history, prehistoric rock art, and nature destinations and activities at Taung Dam. If you’re looking for a hotel in the destination, you can first decide which of these themes will shape your trip. The specific places offer different points of interest; for routes and individual activities, it is a good idea to check visiting conditions separately.

Fossils, Diamond History and Rock Art

The Taung Fossil Site was the first place in the world where a member of the species Australopithecus africanus was found. For travellers interested in paleoanthropology, this discovery places Taung in the history of research into early humans. The Taung Heritage Site is set in a striking volcanic landscape. For your trip planning, you can weigh cultural and historical interest separately from an interest in the landscape.

The Diggers' Diamond Museum displays authentic excavation tools and old photographs relating to the town’s diamond industry. The tools and images offer different perspectives: one focuses on practical work, the other on the industry’s history. The town’s history is explored here through diamonds and industry, while the Taung Fossil Site is associated with a paleoanthropological discovery.

Rock art also offers two specific points of interest. Stows Kopje features prehistoric rock engravings and is protected as a provincial heritage site. San Bushman rock art can be viewed at Stowlands Farm, 6 km outside Christiana. To choose a heritage focus, it helps to note the difference: Stows Kopje is known for prehistoric engravings and its protected status, while Stowlands is known for San Bushman rock art. Check whether the farm is accessible before visiting.

Route, Landscape and Water Activities

The Taung Skull Heritage Route stretches for 45 km from Bluepool to the Thomeng Waterfalls, as well as Dikgwaneng and Morathong. The route’s length is a specific factor to consider when planning; conditions may vary. Check them before setting out. The route therefore requires a different kind of planning from a single heritage site: both the distance and the places listed matter. The Thomeng Waterfalls are also a nature destination promoted for tourism.

Scenic boat trips and power boating are listed as activities at Taung Dam; check locally to see whether they are currently available. Fishing competitions are also listed as events at Taung Dam. If you’d like to plan your trip around one, check the specific dates in advance. For boating activities, the key consideration is current availability; for a competition, the date matters too.

Discover more destinations: Bloemhof, Vryburg, Christiana, Bojanala Platinum, Bophirima, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Southern Dc and Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

For the broader travel overview: Northwest.