Full-Day Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria
This tour is private with just you and your guide in the vehicle. To the west of Johannesburg where the Highveld starts its descent to the Bushveld from the lies, an area of undulating hills referred to as the Cradle of Humankind. It gains its name from the amounts of fossil remains of early man and our more apelike ancestors discovered here in the dolomite caves just beneath its surface. The 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 Caves are where the original discoveries were made but it is now closed due to flooding and so we will first visit the custodians of the discoveries at the University of the Witwatersrand Department of Paleoanthropology at the wonderfully informative Origins Centre there. Then from here to the area of The Cradle and there visit the Maropeng Mound and/or the Wonder Caves as time allows.
Options
Lesedi & Wonder Cave
Visit Lesedi & Wonder Cave
Pickup included
What's included in Full-Day Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
The Cradle of Humankind
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.
Origins Centre Museum
The Sterkfontein Caves are closed on Mondays so if your tour must be on a Monday we are offering a tour of the Origins Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand in its place. The Witwatersrand ( Johannesburg) University Anthropology Department administers the Caves and is custodian of all the recovered fossils from the Cradle of Humankind and many other sites throughout Southern Africa. This is a more than adequate alternative to the Caves and can also be done as an alternative for the Maropeng Mpund but please note Origins Centre is closed on Sundays.
Maropeng Visitor Centre
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.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Souvenirs and Curios
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant meals not included
- All tours conducted by fully qualified English speaking tour guides in approved vehicles. Other language guides on request.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We pick up travellers from their hotel, residence, airport or other location in the greater Johannesburg or Pretoria area. Travelers to provide the address of pick up. It's important to be easy to find you so that we do not waste any of your tour time. Please wait for the guide at the hotel reception or foyer if this is not on the ground floor. The guide will have a name badge identifying himself. If you are staying at a guest house or private residence please make sure the gate bell works and if possible for safety reasons, wait just on the inside of the property, not on the road. Also, if possible, let us have your mobile number so we/you can WhatsApp or text.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Not recommended for participants with back problems