Gerrit Dusseldorp and a team from the Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University in the Netherlands are excavating Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter, which is just off the N3 near Marianhill Toll Plaza. The team is investigating the Middle to Later Stone Age transition which occurred between ~40 000 – 20 000 years ago.

During the visit, Gerrit will highlight the importance of Umhlatuzana and talk about the excavation techniques and post-excavation analyses the team employs. Some interesting finds will be showcased.

Accessing the site is not easy – you do so at own risk.

After parking, we will then walk along the highway behind the highway barrier. This will be followed by a steep 15 min scramble down to the site. Although we will be behind the barrier, we will still be close to the N3 and high visibility vests are recommended if you have them.

Please contact Ghilraen Laue (glaue@nmsa.org.za ) by the 28th July if you are interested in joining us on the site visit.

SA Archaeological Society, KwaZulu-Natal