Experience the awe of standing at the Point of Human Origins! Visit world renown archaeological site This tour is usually between 3 to 4 hours in duration.
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Point of Human Origins Experience with Dr. Peter Nilssen and Guided Cave Visits. PLEASE NOTE: tours and cave visits by appointment only
1st option: Point of Human Origins Experience with Dr. Nilssen. Tour must be booked in advance and depends on Dr. Nilssen's availability (due to professional commitments he is not always available). We prefer a group of not less than 8 people to run a full tour.
The Point of Human Origins Experience is divided into two parts:
1st part - an introductory, thought provoking PowerPoint presentation by Dr Nilssen that will take you on a journey into pre-history where you learn about human nature and behavior, ancient environments, sea levels, food sources, cave formation processes, stone tool technology, and how our earliest ancestors managed to survive a near extinction event through their connection with and reliance on nature.
2nd part – scenic visit to the Pinnacle Point Caves in the company of Dr Nilssen. The only access to Cave 13B is via a series of steep wooden stairways and boardwalks (some 200 stairs in each direction). The climb back up can be taxing unless you’re mildly fit.
2nd option: Guided Cave Visits with Specially Trained, Knowledgeable Guide
Our guide is available, but booking is essential. This version is ideal for individuals or groups who are on the move, but who would like to visit this renowned site at short notice. We do not require particular group size to run these excursions. This tour is usually about 1.5 hours in duration. The climb back up can be taxing unless you’re mildly fit. Dress: comfortable clothes and walking shoes
Your contribution:
A portion of each person’s entry fee goes into a conservation fund for protecting and conserving the sites that we visit. So every visitor is personally involved in the conservation of humanity heritage at Pinnacle Point Caves. In recognition of this we give each visitor a certificate to this effect, as well as a booklet to serve as a memory jogger of their time with us. At your expense, food and beverages are available at the Pinnacle Point Club House Restaurant.
29/01/2025
Another stunning focal point in the newly renovated clubhouse is the striking set of paintings, depicting renowned course designer Peter Matkovich, alongside a panoramic view of the golf course & the Point Of Human Origins World Heritage portrait, providing a profound visual & cultural experience. 🎨
Together, they celebrate the intersection of art, heritage, & the designer's enduring influence on the course's identity.
24/01/2025
On the 21st and 22nd of January, we had the pleasure of hosting 40 delegates who attended the National Marine and Coastal Educators Network event, organized by the Dias Museum. The gathering was a wonderful opportunity for professionals in marine and coastal education to exchange ideas and experiences.
Arno Munro shared that everyone had an amazing time during the visit to the Pinnacle Point Site Complex, being one of the highlights of the few days spent in the Iconic Mossel Bay. The breathtaking views and rich historical significance of the site captivated the delegates and provided a perfect backdrop for discussions and learning.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Arno and the Dias Museum for their dedication and hard work in organizing such a successful event.
06/01/2025
15/12/2024
Beautiful Mossel Bay ❤️
Mossel Bay Tourism
The Mossel Bay
10/12/2024
Important Notice!!!
Notice: Adjusted Visiting Hours for the Mosaic Tunnel
Dear Patrons,
We value your support & kindly ask for your understanding as we navigate limited parking space during peak season. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, the visiting hours below will apply to the Mosaic Tunnel.
Daily visiting hours:
Morning: 06:00 to 09:30
Afternoon: 16:00 to 19:00
These hours will be effective from 13 December 2024 to 10 January 2025.
Guests are welcome to arrive at our main gate during these times, & access will be granted based on parking availability. We sincerely appreciate your patience & cooperation as we work to make this busy time enjoyable for all. 🔹
04/12/2024
What a great initiative held yesterday by the Mossel Bay Municipality - an ICONIC Walk around the Point on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Thank you Mayor Dirk Kotzé for tagging us in your post!
You reminded us of some meaningful experiences we've had with disabled visitors to the Pinnacle Point Site Complex.
Although caves at the Pinnacle Point Estate are situated in the cliffs and are regrettably not accessible by wheelchair; where there's a will there's a way. This was certainly the case for well known South African artist, Mathys Roets who visited Point of Human Origins in 2019.
Mathys and his wheels were carried to the top of the steep staircase that descends to the 13 series caves from where he enjoyed the spectacular views. In the meantime his friend ventured on a cave tour with Christopher and took some pictures and videos and shared his experience with Mathys afterwards! It was a very special way for friends to share an outing not accessible via wheelchair. Indeed, this
experience was featured as an episode in the second season of "Authentiek" on SABC2 in 2020.
A small group from the USA included a visually impaired person. Special care was taken to assist this young man to ensure his safety. He truly enjoyed listening to the human origins story, the sounds of nature and the crashing waves, and delighted in feeling the surfaces of rocks, stone tools and vegetation while soaking up the smells of the ocean air and Fynbos vegetation.
Disabled people can sometimes open our senses to experience the world in ways that we normally take for granted and overlook.
While not always possible, we do our best to accommodate everyone.
02/12/2024
ICONIC Mossel Bay ❤️🌊🎉
Today we Follow the Sun to the coastal town of Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.This popular holiday destination on the beautiful Garden Route attracts thousan...
25/11/2024
Fantastic News!!! Congratulations Pinnacle Point Estate 🎉❤️⛳🏆🌊👏
Award-winning Pinnacle Point achieves yet another remarkable milestone!
The golfing community has honoured Pinnacle Point Estate with the title of South Africa's Best Golf Course 2024 at the annual World Golf Awards, announced on the 22nd of November at the prestigious 11th annual Gala Ceremony in Madeira, Portugal.
As the leading authority recognizing excellence in the golf tourism industry, the World Golf Awards confirms our commitment to consistently offering the pinnacle of golf experiences.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Golf Director Quintin Byleveldt, Golf Course Superintendent Konrad Suhr, the dedicated golfing staff, the Golf Committee, & the entire Pinnacle Point Estate Team for creating a first-class experience that rivals the best golfing destinations worldwide. A special mention & congratulations go to our course designer, Peter Matkovich, for being named Golf Course Designer of the Year 2024. 🏆
Most importantly, we thank everyone who supports us on this incredible journey!
11/11/2024
Happy Monday - embrace the week ahead, & soar above any challenges.
Have an owlsome week!
Photo by Yolandi Schlebusch, Pinnacle Point. 🦉
17/10/2024
"Our hope is to cultivate young minds to affect change in their communities." - Andrea Bradfield.
It was wonderful to host Investment Trust 🌊
08/10/2024
France24 - World Heritage Site at Pinnacle Point Estate 🇿🇦
Pinnacle point: World heritage status for South African caves labelled 'point of human origins' Issued on: 01/10/2024 - 14:38Modified: 01/10/2024 - 15:43 02:09 To display this content from , you must enable advertisement tracking and audience measurement. Video by: Tom CANETTI UNESCO has given world...
23/09/2024
Celebrate Heritage Day with Point of Human Origins! 🇿🇦❤️🎉
Mom's and Dad's bring your children on an educational cave tour this school holiday!
We offer special rates for South Africans, and children up to 14 years of old this school holidays will be FREE of charge!
This offer runs from 24 to 30 September. T&Cs apply✅
📍To receive information or to book please send WhatsApp to +27796400004
11/09/2024
How fortunate are we to have the incredible Point Of Human Origins as a World Heritage Site located in our stunning town? ❤️
Pinnacle Point is a destination not to be missed for those with a fascination for history & a love for nature.
Photo by Cinematic Travel SA
06/09/2024
Ridgeview Primary School / Ridgeview Primêre Skool had fun learning about art and ancient history at Pinnacle Point Estate!
16/08/2024
Students from non-profit sports school "George Royal Academy" had fun learning about archaeology with Christopher and exploring Pinnacle Point Site Complex.
04/08/2024
WORLD HERITAGE STATUS CELEBRATION IN ICONIC MOSSEL BAY
🥳🇿🇦🥳🇿🇦🥳🇿🇦🥳🇿🇦🥳🇿🇦🥳🇿🇦🥳🇿🇦
26/07/2024
Thank you Mayor Dirk Kotzé!!! Amazing achievement for our beautiful Iconic Mossel Bay 🎉🥳🇿🇦❤️
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Videos
View of the Point from The World 🌍
On our way to visit Pinnacle Point caves
Boarding The World in Cape Town
Sound Journey in the cave
Last Sunday we had our first Sound Journey in the cave with Yin Xiong, ☯️ International Master of the Opera of Sound. The event was fully booked within a few days.
It was a magical experience, with crashing waves synchronizing with Yin's crystal alchemy bowls & overtone singing.
The energies of sound and this special place reunited us with humanity's authentic, primal archetype.
Based on feedback, it was a great success 🙌, and we look foward to collaborating with Yin again in the new year.
Happy birthday dear Peter 🥳 ❤️
You are simply amazing at making scientific information come alive and accessible to all ages. We love seeing visitors eyes sparkle with interest listening to your archaeological stories and findings .
Thank you and Many blessings ❤️
Do you know that you can book a private experience with the archeologist who discovered the archeological cave sites at Pinnacle Point Estate.
Here is a recent TripAdvisor review of a tour with Peter:
"What an amazing adventure traveling back through time to 165,000 years ago with Peter Nilssen as guide. Peter was passionately engaging, explaining archeology to us in a way we easily understood and making it alive. He described the landscape of Earth and of Pinnacle Point over a hundred thousand years ago, the reasons why people thrived at the tip of Africa, the effects of diet on human development, & connectivity with one another and with that which sustains all life. Peter described discovering the caves at Pinnacle Point and the significance of that discovery.
We came away from our adventure at Pinnacle Point feeling both lighter and more grounded. We have a better sense of how we got to where we are today, a security that we know how to thrive, and a hope that we will. Experiencing the caves was enormously meaningful, & hearing Peter speak was even more so. If you have the opportunity to visit, especially if you have the opportunity to listen to Peter Nilssen, take it as a gift to yourself."
JP & Annette
To book a private experience with Dr. Peter Nilssen, email us at [email protected] or call +27 0796400004
Cradle of Human Culture Mossel Bay Tourism
Finally, the days are getting longer & warmer 🌞🌊
We are open 7 days a week - 9am to 5pm.
Please remember, booking is essential.
WhatsApp +27796400004
Telegram @pointofhumanorigins
Email [email protected]
See you soon!
Experience the awe of standing at a Point of Human Origins, world renowned archaeological site with early evidence for modern human behaviour - Mossel Bay, South Africa.
While your experience with us involves a visit to a world renowned Middle Stone Age archaeological cave site, our main goals are to create awareness of the original human design, to awaken the human spirit, and to inspire people to change the way they behave towards all life on our planet. We aim to reconnect people with nature, each other and themselves through our shared cultural and natural heritage. Ultimately, we intend to create a research centre with the purpose of transforming human behaviour from its current dysfunctional state into one that serves the environment and all life in it.
Archaeology's focus is on reconstructing human behaviour from the material remains discovered in archaeological sites. The archaeological record is like a road map of our development with signposts of where we've been, what we've done, what has worked for us and what has not. We use the archaeological record as a springboard to talk about the human condition today. We show that our earliest ancestors' behaviour was guided by knowledge and belief systems based in and connected with nature. We focus on the origins of human behaviour in an attempt to understand our behaviour today, and how we might change our behaviour for the better of all life on earth.