Cradle Of Humankind & Sterkfontien Caves Full Day Tour
The Sterkfontein Caves are a palaeontologist's dream where the remains of human ancestors dating back millions of years are still being found. The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site with exhibits that reveal secrets of the origin of man.
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Electronic voucher
- Pickup available
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Description
Visit The Maropeng Visitor Centre and The Sterkfontein Caves just 50km outside of Johannesburg on this exciting and enlightening full day tour.
The protected heritage site spans an area of 47 000 hectares, lying on a bed of dolomite deposited around 2.5-billion years ago. Similar fossils have been found at other sites in south and east Africa but the Cradle of Humankind has produced more than 950 hominid fossil specimens. It really is a treasure trove of fossils.
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an interactive, world-class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this area of South Africa. Our ancestors have lived in this area for more than 3-million years. This exhibit showcases the development of humans over millions of years with exceptional exhibits that transport visitors back in time. The most impressive is an underground boat ride that takes you on a tour of 2 500 square metres of exhibits. The grassed amphitheatre can accommodate up to 10 000 people and is designed to look like a giant burial mound.
The Sterkfontein Caves – about 50km from Johannesburg – is the site of some of the most important discoveries concerning the evolution of man and have been declared a World Heritage Site. If it’s true that Africa is the cradle of all mankind, and most palaeontologists believe this to be so, then Sterkfontein Caves is surely one of the continent’s sacred sites. The Sterkfontein Caves have been described as the ‘anthropological treasure-house of the world’. Mrs Ples, the approximately 2.5-million-year-old skull was found here as was Little Foot the nickname given to a nearly complete Australopithecus fossil skeleton. These are fossils of the earliest human ancestors known to man. In addition, there are thousands of fossils of hominids, plants and animals. More hominid fossils are found in the Cradle of Humankind than anywhere else in the world. The caves have recently made news for the discovery of the Homo Neledi Fossils.
Please note:
- There are a number of of tight spots and pathways to negotiate in the caves
- Not advisable to do the tour if you are claustrophobic
- Not advisable for people who suffer from acute asthma or chest problems to do the tour as there are a lot of stairs.
Itinerary
Collection: at Any hotel or address in Johannesburg or Pretoria
Time: 08:30 - 09:30 pick-up traffic dependant.
- Collection by guide/drive
- Quick pre-departure tour briefing
- Departure to the Cradle of Humankind
- Guided tour in the Sterkfontein caves
- Maropeng Visitors centre
- Enjoy a relaxing indoor boat ride
- Experience the interactive museum artefacts and displays.
- Return to your address in Johannesburg or Pretoria
Important information
collection at Any hotel or address in Johannesburg or Pretoria between 08:30 - 09:30 pick-up traffic dependant.
Operated by: MoAfrica
What’s included
- Free Onboard Uncapped WiFi
- Transfers in an comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup in Johannesburg
- Entrance to Maropeng
- Entrance to Sterkfontein Caves
- Guided Tour of the Sterkfontein Caves
What do I need to bring
Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen.
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Date of Travel
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