The Cradle of Humankind is one of the world's most important palaeontological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why It Matters
The site covers 47,000 hectares and contains one of the world's richest concentrations of hominid fossils:
- "Mrs Ples" — A 2.1 million-year-old skull
- "Little Foot" — A 3.67 million-year-old skeleton
- Homo naledi — Discovered in 2013 in the Rising Star Cave
What to Visit
Maropeng Visitor Centre
- Underground boat ride through time
- Interactive exhibitions on human evolution
- Stunning Tumulus building
Sterkfontein Caves
- Guided tour into underground caves (120 steps down)
- Past the excavation site where "Mrs Ples" was found
- Underground lake
Planning Your Visit
- Location: 40 minutes from Johannesburg
- Duration: 3-5 hours for both attractions
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Best combined with: Lesedi Cultural Village, Lion Safari Park