The Cradle of Humankind

A World Heritage Site of Global Significance

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Cradle of Humankind spans an impressive 47,000 hectares of rolling grassland and rocky outcrops in Gauteng and the North West Province. This area contains the world's richest concentration of human ancestral remains, with fossils found in a complex network of limestone caves that have preserved our evolutionary history for millions of years.

The site includes over 15 major fossil-bearing caves, including the famous Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Kromdraai caves. These underground chambers have yielded more than 1,000 hominin fossils, making this the most productive paleoanthropological site anywhere in the world. Scientists continue to make groundbreaking discoveries here, with new fossils still being unearthed that reshape our understanding of human evolution.

Meet Our Ancestors

The Cradle of Humankind is home to some of the most famous fossils ever discovered:

Mrs. Ples

Discovered in 1947 at Sterkfontein Caves by paleontologist Robert Broom, this remarkably preserved Australopithecus africanus skull is between 2.5 and 2.8 million years old. Originally thought to be female (hence "Mrs."), many scientists now believe it may have been a young male. Regardless, Mrs. Ples remains one of the most complete skulls of this species ever found.

Little Foot

One of the most complete Australopithecus skeletons ever discovered, Little Foot was found in the 1990s at Sterkfontein. This ancient ancestor, estimated to be over 3 million years old, provides invaluable insights into how early hominins moved and lived.

Homo Naledi

In 2015, scientists announced one of the most exciting fossil discoveries in decades: over 1,500 bones from the Rising Star Cave system representing a previously unknown species, Homo naledi. This remarkable find continues to challenge our understanding of human evolution, as the species lived as recently as 236,000 years ago, overlapping with early Homo sapiens.

Australopithecus Sediba

Discovered near Malapa Cave in 2008, this species dates back nearly 2 million years and displays an intriguing mix of primitive and advanced features, offering clues about the transition between early australopithecines and the genus Homo.

Maropeng: The Official Visitor Centre

Your journey into human origins begins at Maropeng, an award-winning, world-class visitor center that serves as the gateway to the Cradle of Humankind. The name "Maropeng" means "returning to the place of our ancestors" in Setswana, and the building itself is designed to resemble an ancient burial mound emerging from the earth.

The Experience

Maropeng offers a self-guided, interactive journey through time that begins with the formation of our planet and follows the evolutionary processes that led to modern humans. The experience starts with a thrilling underground boat ride through the elements, setting the stage for the remarkable story ahead.

Inside the exhibition halls, you'll encounter:

• Original fossils and carefully crafted replicas of famous discoveries

• Stone tools dating back up to one million years

• Interactive displays explaining human evolution and the "Out of Africa" theory

• The "Almost Human" exhibition featuring the incredible Homo naledi discovery

• Multimedia presentations bringing ancient landscapes and extinct species to life

The center takes 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly, and its engaging, family-friendly approach makes complex scientific concepts accessible to visitors of all ages.

Practical Visitor Information

Location: Approximately 50km northwest of Johannesburg, near Krugersdorp

Maropeng Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (including weekends and public holidays)

Sterkfontein Caves Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed Mondays). Tours depart hourly. Please check current status before visiting.

Recommended Visit Duration:

• Maropeng only: 2-3 hours

• Sterkfontein Caves only: 1.5-2 hours

• Combined visit: 4-5 hours (ideal for a half-day or full-day trip)

Ticket Options: Combination tickets for both Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves are available and offer excellent value. Children under 6 enter free.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (essential for cave tour), warm layer (caves are cool year-round), camera, water, and sun protection

Facilities: Both sites offer restaurants with panoramic views, gift shops, and ample parking

Beyond the Main Attractions

The broader Cradle of Humankind area has evolved into a vibrant destination offering numerous activities:

• Hot-air balloon rides over the scenic landscape

• Horse riding trails through the African bushveld

• Mountain biking routes

• The NIROX Sculpture Park showcasing contemporary art

• Various boutique hotels and restaurants with spectacular views

• The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

• Wonder Cave and other geological marvels

A Journey You'll Never Forget

Visiting the Cradle of Humankind is more than just a tourist activity—it's a pilgrimage to the place where humanity began. Standing in the caves where our ancestors' fossils were discovered, seeing the actual bones of beings who lived millions of years ago, and understanding the scientific evidence that links us all together creates a profound sense of connection to the human family.

This is a place that changes perspectives, inspires wonder, and reminds us that despite our differences, we all share a common origin. It's a story of survival, adaptation, and the incredible journey that led to modern humans. Whether you're a science enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about the world, the Cradle of Humankind offers an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.