Cradle of Humankind Half Day Tour
Departure from your hotel or guesthouse in the Johannesburg area.
Daily Tours
Morning: Afternoon:
Depart: 08:00 Depart: 13:00
Return: 12:00 Return: 17:00
At just over an hour's drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Cradle of Humankind is a must-visit destination for archaeology enthusiasts and anyone curious about the origins of humankind. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating journey through millions of years of human evolution, making it an unforgettable experience.
Covering approximately 47,000 hectares, the Cradle of Humankind is one of South Africa's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is the world's richest hominin fossil site, containing around 40% of the world's known human ancestor fossils. The remarkable discoveries made here have transformed our understanding of human evolution.
The surrounding 53,000-hectare area is also home to a rich diversity of birdlife, wildlife, and indigenous plants, including several rare and endangered species.
On our half-day tour, guests have the flexibility to choose between visiting the Maropeng Visitor Centre, which offers interactive exhibits exploring the story of human evolution, or the Sterkfontein Caves, home to world-renowned fossil discoveries, including Mrs. Ples and Little Foot. Both attractions provide a unique and insightful perspective on the history of humankind.
Inclusions
Entry to The New Scientific Exhibition
Entry to the Cradle of Humankind or Maropeng Visitor Centre
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-Off
Exclusions
Drinks and meals
Please note: Pick-ups from Pretoria, Centurion, OR Tambo area, or Kempton Park are not available on our scheduled tours.
*Please note: Sterkfontein Caves are closed on Mondays.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mrs. Ples & Little Foot
- Maropeng Visitor Centre
- The New Scientific Exhibition
Detailed Itinerary
- Mrs. Ples & Little Foot
In 1947 a scientist found the almost complete skull of an adult female and initially named the skull Plesianthropus transvaalensis (near-man from Transvaal), but it became better known by its nickname, Mrs. Ples. In 1997, a near complete skeleton of a second species of Australopithecus was found in the caves. The skeleton was named Little Foot, since the first parts found (in 1995, in storage) were the bones of a foot.
- Maropeng Visitor Centre
Maropeng Visitor Centre is the official gateway to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers an interactive journey through the origins of humanity, featuring fascinating fossils, archaeological discoveries, and engaging exhibits on human evolution and climate change.
- The New Scientific Exhibition
The new scientific exhibition showcases a reconstruction of a mined cave – formations and geology, early life forms, mammals and hominid fossils, among other topics. It describes in detail important finds, as well as providing information about fossilization, paleobotany and landscapes.
Departure from your hotel or guesthouse in the Johannesburg area.
Included:
- Registered tour guide
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fee to the Cradle of Humankind
Not included:
- Lunch
- Optional extras
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITION OF SALES
-
- General information and conditions of carriage prices, routes, places of interest, destinations, hotels and restaurants are subject to availability and to change
- Tour departure and arrival are approximate
- In case of non-presentation on the tours, full cancellation fees will apply.
- You can cancel until 24 hours before your tours.
- German, French, Spanish as well as other foreign language guides are available on request
- All tours are subject to minimum 2 of passengers
- All our vehicles are insured substantially for passenger liability
- Luggage and personal possessions are carried at your own risk
- Please ensure that valuables and travel documents are kept safe at all time
- Children under 12 benefit from a -50% discount




Tour Reviews
Tour Reviews
Shauna van der Spuy -
The guide that I had was so friendly and informed. This half day tour was fascinating, intriguing and filled with wonder. The Caves are mind blowing and beautiful, and Maropeng with its interesting architecture and interactive exhibits was a treat. I want to return with my grandchildren!
6 years agoLeave a Review