GeoExcursion - Greater Worcester and Hex River Valley (4-6 Sept 2026)

The Overberg Geoscientists Group (OGG) invites members and interested participants to a 2.5-day geological excursion exploring the Greater Worcester and Hex River Valley region from 4-6 September 2026.

This field excursion will examine the remarkable Cape Fold Belt syntaxis zone near Worcester, an area where different branches of the fold belt meet, producing complex folding, faulting, and striking geological structures. Participants will explore rock units spanning over 600 million years of geological history, including:

• Malmesbury Basement rocks (>600 Ma)

• Cape Granites (~540 Ma)

• Cape Supergroup formations (Table Mountain, Bokkeveld & Witteberg Groups)

• Karoo sediments, including Dwyka tillites and Ecca deposits

• Uitenhage Group conglomerates

The excursion will visit locations around Brandvlei Dam, Doornrivier and the Hex River Valley, while also incorporating local highlights such as hot springs, aquifers, vineyards, and the biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region.

The trip will be led by Jurie Viljoen (Geologist) and Dr Anso Le Roux (Plant Ecologist), bringing extensive experience in the geology, structure, soils, aquifers, and ecology of the Cape Fold Belt.

• Starting point: Stettyn Wine Farm
• Meet: 08:30 for 09:00 start (Friday 4 September 2026)
• Duration: 2.5 days
• Visits include Alvi’s Drift and Nuy Wine Cellars

Read the full excursion details here.