Johannesburg: Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Tour
ID: GYG1006194-1557372
Category:
Country: South Africa
Duration:
1 days
Description
Explore the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Museum on a guided tour from Johannesburg. Learn about the fossils found and the importance of these discoveries to our understanding of human evolution.
Explore the Sterkfontein Caves, one of the richest sites for fossil hominids in the world. Walk down into the caves and see why the fossils here are so intact and how they got here. Visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Malapa Museum to learn about the forces shaping the earth and evolution.
See the ongoing excavations in the caves that yielded 'Mrs. Ples' in 1947, and 'Little Foot' in 1998, Little Foot being a new species. Nearby, a whole new species, Australopithecus sediba, was discovered in 2008 and Homo naledi in 2015.
Walk around the site and see vantage points showing the location of other caves in the Cradle, altogether more than 1000. New ones are still being located. The natural vegetation of the area is varied and interesting, easily examined while walking.
Visit the Malapa Museum to learn how this area became so rich in fossils and provides an in-depth look at the discovery of Australopithecus sediba in 2008 and what we have learned from this remarkable discovery.
Visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre to learn about the forces shaping the earth and evolution and see a display of fossils. Walk outside to see beautiful views across the Cradle.
Highlights
- Discover the rich history of the area and the fossils found in the caves
- Visit the Maropeng Museum and learn about the forces shaping the earth
- Explore the Sterkfontein Caves and learn about the fossils found there
- Enjoy beautiful views across the Cradle of Humankind from the museum
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring a hat and sunscreen for protection against the sun
A light jacket is recommended as it can be cooler inside the caves
Photography is allowed
Expect some areas with uneven terrain and stairs
The tour involves walking, so a moderate level of fitness is required
There are narrow passages that require crouching to get through
INCLUDED
- Entrance to Sterkfontein Caves
- Access to Maropeng Visitor Centre
- Guided tour of the caves and surrounding area
- Admission to Malapa Museum
- Soft drinks and snacks in the vehicle
- Story of this part of the world while driving - how we all got here
- All travel in a comfortable, airconditioned vehicle
- Professional Culture and Nature guide
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.