Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour

The Cradle of Humankind is one of the most interesting archeological tours one can do near Johannesburg. It is home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1947 Dr. Rorbert Broom and John Robinson discovered “Mrs Ples” a skull of a fully grown adult Australopithecus Africanus and in 1998 Professor Ron Clarke discovered fossil fragments here which led to the location of “Little Foot” a nearly complete remains of Australopithecus Africanus. In 2008 Professor Lee Berger announced the discovery of “Sediba” also at the Cradle area. The Sterkfontein Caves located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind is described as the ‘anthropological treasure house of the world. It is the World's oldest and continuous paleontological diggings, having been worked on for more than 60 years, and contains one-third of the World's hominid fossils.

1. 1

   Johannesburg

   1 hour

   Pick up at your hotel. A general introduction and overview of the area and the guide will brief you about the program of the day. As you arrive, enjoy a scenic view of the Cradle area situated about 1 hour drive from the city of Johannesburg.

2. 2

   Sterkfontein Cave

   1 hour

   Explore the Sterkfontein Caves on an educational Guided tour of the underground cave. The Sterkfontein Caves located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind is described as the ‘anthropological treasure house of the world. It is the World's oldest and continuous paleontological diggings, having been worked on for more than 60 and holds about one-third of the World's ever-discovered hominid fossils.

3. 3

   Maropeng Visitor Centre

   1 hour

   After about 10 10-minute drive to Maropeng, We arrive at the Visitors Centre where you will be highlighted by a Guide then proceed on a magical boat road through an artificial underground cave that leads you to a Museum. The Tumulus at Maropeng is the main visitor and interpretation center for the Cradle. It is designed to resemble a grass-covered ancient burial mound from the outside. The museum comprises of exhibitions on the formation of fossils and the evolution of Humankind. The tour is both educational and great fun with interactive displays and magical underground boat cruises. After a 10 minutes drive we visit Maropeng Visitors Centre where you will be highlighted by a Guide then proceed on a magical boat road through an artificial underground cave that leads you to a Museum. We will enjoy a mouth-watering Buffet Lunch at Maropeng, the Tumulus restaurant that offers the best views of the Cradle area.

4. 4

   Johannesburg

   1 hour

   After this wonderful and fascinating experience, the guide will drive you back to Johannesburg or Pretoria where you will be dropped back at your hotel or starting point

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.