Full-Day Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria

To the west of Johannesburg where the Highveld starts its descent to the Bushveld from the gold bearing ridge of the Witwatersrand lies an area of undulating hills referred to as the Cradle of Humankind. It gains its name from the huge amounts of fossil remains of early man and our more apelike ancestors discovered here in the dolomite caves just beneath its surface. The unusual geology of the region has made it one of the richest fossil bearing regions in the world not just of early ape men but many other extinct creatures. Sterkfontein & Maropeng and scenic tour of the region including Hartebeespoort dam and  Chameleon craft village.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: The Cradle of Humankind, Krugersdorp North South Africa

To the west of Johannesburg where the Highveld starts its descent to the "Bushveld" from the gold bearing ridge of the Witwatersrand lies an area of undulating hills referred to as the Cradle of Humankind. It gains its name from the huge amounts of fossil remains of early man and our more apelike ancestors discovered here in the dolomite caves just beneath its surface. The unusual geology of the region has made it one of the richest fossil bearing regions in the world not just of early apemen but many other extinct creatures.

Duration: 8 hours

Stop At: Sterkfontein Caves Rd. Kromdraai Road Off the R563, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site South Africa

The most famous of the caves where the first fossil discoveries were made and continue to be made are at a place called Sterkfontein. It is a must when in this region to visit these caves. There are guided tours down in to the caves every half an hour. At the start of the walkway leading to the caves there is a reception area with a small restaurant and very informative interpretive centre. Built to give an open view of the "veld" it is a very pleasant place to enjoy a coffee and small snack before continuing on your exploration of the region.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Maropeng Visitor Centre, R400 off R563 Hekpoort Road Sterkfontein, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site 1911 South Africa

To attract more visitors to the area another site has been created at Maropeng to the north. At Maropeng inside a great hollow mound is a presentation on the history and prehistory of our species. It is very popular with the busloads of school children that visit the area. But the interactive displays fascinate both old and young. And to add to it's attraction the latest fossil discoveries of what purported to be a new species of early ancestor of mankind called Homo Naledi are on display. From the top of the mound are wonderful views of the countryside as far as the Magaliesberg Mountains. There is a restaurant for light meals, curio shop and footpaths have been laid to explore the "highveld" grasslands surrounding the venue.

Duration: 2 hours