Take a full-day tour to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not far from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Visit the Lion Park, the Sterkfontein Caves, and Maropeng. Liquid refreshments on the ride are included, as is lunch.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 9 hours
- Starting time 7:30 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Afrikaans
- Pickup included
- Pick-up is provided at your location in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
- Private group
Experience
Highlights
- Visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See the Sterkfontein Caves, where some of the world’s oldest hominin fossils have been found
- Learn the secrets of human ancestry at the Maropeng Visitor Center
- Visit The Lion Park, Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng on the same tour
Full description
Visit the world-renowned Cradle of Mankind on a popular full-day tour from Johannesburg. Transfers from your accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria are provided.
The Cradle of Humankind is about 47,000 hectares in size and is located just 50 kilometers from Johannesburg. It is one of 8 places in South Africa listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1999.
You’ll find a complex of limestone caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where the 2.3-million-year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed Mrs. Ples) was unearthed in 1947. In fact, more than a third of all hominid fossils ever found have come from this area.
At the Maropeng Visitor Center you’ll take in the world-class exhibition, opened in 2005, that focuses on the development of humans and hominins over the last few million years. At the entrance, you’ll see a massive burial mound called the Tumulus, which is also your gateway to learning the secrets of human ancestry.
At the Sterkfontein Caves you’ll see evidence of the discovery of many hominid and other animal fossils, dating back more than 4 million years, to the birth of humanity.
The Lion Park, which you’ll also visit on this tour, is a prime example of the grassland biome typical of the highveld.
Includes
- Pick-up from your hotel or guest house in Johannesburg, Sandton or Pretoria
- Driver/guide
- 45-minute to 1-hour open safari
- 1-hour underground cave tour
- Visit to Maropeng Exhibition Center
- Drinks in the vehicle
- Lunch
- Extra activities not mentioned in the description
Not suitable for
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- People with claustrophobia
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
Know before you go
- You should wear closed shoes for walking in the cave.
- The tour into the cave is not suitable for people with back problems, but they can walk through the museum.
