Full-Day Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria [25748P9]
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.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- 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
INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
NOT INCLUDED
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Souvenirs and Curios
CANCELLATION POLICY
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
ITINERARY
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Sterkfontein Caves are the Cradle of Humankinds most authentic location as it is here wher the greatest number of hominid and early our ape relatives fossils have been discovered. Please think carefully about taking the tour down in to the caves as if you have mobility issues or suffer from severe claustrophobia. The walkways can be wet and slippery and bending double and some body twisting to get through some spaces along the way may be required ( more so if you are of large or tall stature). But be brave if you can it is really worth it!
