Overview
The Cradle of Humankind, northwest of Johannesburg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paleoanthropology pilgrimage point where some of the oldest hominid fossils have been unearthed. The Sterkfontein Caves yielded the roughly 3.3 million-year-old 'Little Foot' skeleton and the 2.6 million-year-old skull known as 'Mrs. Ples'. The Maropeng Visitor Centre uses interactive exhibits to make the story of human evolution easy to follow, and guided cave tours are also available.
Opening Hours
Daily 09:00-17:00 (last cave tour at 16:00)
Travel Tips
A combined Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves ticket offers a discount. The caves are cool inside, so bring a light jacket. About 1 hour by car from Johannesburg.
Hotels near Cradle of Humankind
Hotels and guesthouses in Johannesburg, Maropeng, Gauteng Province
