Full-Day Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria
Description
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.
Tour Options
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 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!
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up travellers from their hotel, residence, airport or other location in the greater Johannesburg or Pretoria area. Travelers to provide the address of pick up. It's important to be easy to find you so that we do not waste any of your tour time. Please wait for the guide at the hotel reception or foyer if this is not on the ground floor. The guide will have a name badge identifying himself. If you are staying at a guest house or private residence please make sure the gate bell works and if possible for safety reasons, wait just on the inside of the property, not on the road. Also, if possible, let us have your mobile number so we/you can WhatsApp or text.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(8)
It's was a wonderful experience. Seeing and learning how the world and human kind has evolved.
I had a wonderful experience with my guide, Willem. Professional, knowledgeable, and patient, he was great and I learned a lot from him about his experiences and perspectives as a South African and about the prehistory of the country. I never felt rushed as I explored the displays and read the labels in the museums. Patrick, the manager of the company, was quick and responsive via WhatsApp. During my tour, we visited - as advertised - the Visitor Centre at Maropeng as well as the Sterkfontein Caves (and adjacent museum). These together (along with other sites across the country) make up the Cradle of Humankind. The Sterkfontein museum is a highlight. Extensive and immersive. Lots of great information. The Caves are incredible. Wear good walking shoes. You will be provided with a helmet because you will descended deep into a large cave complex and need to bend and perhaps crawl in a couple of places where the paths are very narrow. Willem secured a flashlight for me which was very useful. Willem didn’t join me in the Caves as only a certified member of the Caves can lead tours. There were about 25 people in my tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. Don’t forget to check out the center after the Caves where you can see specialists working on the fossil remains. After both sites, before returning to Pretoria (where I was staying) we had a pleasant lunch and Willem took the time to give me an informative overview of South African history using colorful maps. In sum, if you don’t have your own transportation and would like to visit these incredible sites during a stay in Pretoria or Johannesburg, I highly recommend.
Lovely account, Duane. Thank you! It was a pleasure having you as a client. Willem is an excellent and professional guide, not just an unresponsive and uninformed taxi driver, which is often the case. All our guides are qualified, informed and highly experienced. Hopefully we'll see you again!
Very pleased with our trip and having Jacques as our guide. A must do trip when in Johannesburg or Pretoria. Saw and learned so much about the origins of humanity, geology and history of the region. When we arrived at Maropeng, the staff welcomed us home to where the human species originated. Jacques was an exceptional guide! He was very patient in answering our many questions and took time to comment on the history and sights along our route. He could easily converse on numerous topics related to our trip an South Africa. We appreciated his flexibility to ensure we got everything we wanted out of our trip.
Wonderful day! Willem was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and more broadly about the area. He helped us navigate entries, tickets, lunch and had fresh water for us. My mother uses a Walker and he was so accommodating helping her navigate the sites. We had a wonderful time and very cool to visit these ancient sites.
Thus trip was totally worth it! The cave and the museum were fabulous and we couldn't have had a better guide! Thanks Willem!
The cave tour was very interesting. People should be prepared for physical activity on this tour and dress appropriately.
Mmilo tours organized 2 wonderful tours for us (a 90-people tourist group) from the US. The tours were Cradle of Humankind and safari. Everything was well planned and I highly recommend this organization.
