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

Sightseeing  :  South Africa  :  Mpumalanga  :  Johannesburg  :  Day Trips

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.Your tour starts with pick-up from your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria. 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 center. 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. After visiting the caves, you head to Maropeng visitors centre for an informative tour. This can also be done before going to the caves, and can be discussed with your guide on the day.