Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park
Description
The Cradle of Humankind has become one of Johannesburg biggest attractions. Its unbelievable that the oldest human fossil in the world and fossils of 2 million years old are still been found to this day. We have put together a comprehensive day at the Cradle of Humankind that includes a visit to the Lion And Rhino Park. A wild game drive is always a good way to start or end an African experience. The tour is fun and relaxed. Everything can be adjusted to suit your requirements and schedule. Cradle of humankind has more Australopithecus fossils than anywhere else in the world," said geologist and geophysicist Darryl Granger of Purdue University. Now, new dating techniques suggest that the remains date back nearly 4 million years – making them even older than the famous Australopithecus afarensis individual Dinkinesh, nicknamed Lucy. Your Guide Shane is the author of "White Boy" a true story of a boy growing up in South Africa
Tour Options
Itinerary
Great news the Sterkfontein Caves are open after been closed for 2 years . Entrance R 150 South Africa has yielded fossils of some of the earliest known dinosaurs, dating back at least 200-million years. Fossils of our distant mammal-like ancestors, which lived more than 200-million years ago, have also been found in South Africa. Africa is the birthplace of humankind. This is where our collective umbilical cord lies buried. Hominids – the ancestors of modern humans – first emerged about seven million years ago, in Africa. Many significant fossil finds have been made in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, including the famous fossils “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”. The Cradle of Humankind is a paleoanthropological site and is located about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Gauteng province. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the site is home to the largest concentration of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world. Entrance Fee R 150
This is a drive through the nature reserve where we can spot a number of wild animals including Lion, Rhino and Wild Dog. Situated in a World Heritage Site, 1 200 hectare park is home to over 700 game including white rhino, lion, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, hippo and crocodile. A centre houses, amongst others, Bengal and Syberian tigers, jaguars and white lions. Entrance Fee R 250
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(84)
Shane was a great tour guide. Told us about the area as we rode to Cradle of Humankind. Stayed close enough to give us information, but didn't smother us. When we went to Rhino & Lion Park, he knew where all the best places were. On the way back, gave us a restaurant recommendation and dropped us off at the restaurant
Hi Thomas. Thank you so much for taking the time to do a review. I really appreciate you taking the time. It was a pleasure showing of my beautiful country and our hidden treasures. All the best Shane
I had a great experience hiking in Cradle Moon with Shane. We walked around the lake and it was beautiful. I enjoyed seeing the animals while walking. Shane is very knowledgeable and a fantastic guide. I highly recommend this tour for a small taste of Africa.
Thank you Lianne. Enjoyed the hike with you. Enjoy the rest of your SA tour. All the best. Shane
Shane is a wonderful and thoughtful tour guide. We spotted many animals, including the white lions, a pack of wild dogs and cheetahs, just after feeding time. Its best to arrive early, which increases the odds of spotting the animals.
Thanks Nikki. See you in the mountains next time. Have a great day . Shane
It's a great trip that takes in all that is Africa but on a smaller scale than some of the other parks but well worth a visit. Shane the guide was excellent and went out of his way to show and find me the animals
Hi Chris. Thanks for the positive review. Always good to get a good review from another South African guide from the Cape. All the best Shane
Excellent, interesting, and knowledgeable guide...learned a lot...cradle is fascinating...animal park was excellent...don't miss tour
Morning Lynne . Thank you for taking the time to do a review. I am happy you enjoyed the fossil and animals. Safe Travels . Shane
What an amazing tour! Shane’s communication was great, he was punctual to pick us up, and we chatted away as we drove to the Rhino and Lion park. At the park Shane knew all the ins and outs and we got to see some amazing animals thanks to him knowing the feeding times and where to take us first. He was great at spotting them and all we had to do was keep our eyes peeled. He also shared lots of interesting animal facts with us. At the caves, Shane gave us lots of background info about the disoveries of Mrs. Ples and Little Foot, before handing us off to the guide to go explore the caves. Overall, we had a wonderful time and would have definitely not gotten the same experience if we didn’t have Shane to guide us.
Wow Leyla that's a fantastic revue. I Really appreciate you taking the time to do a review. All the best for the future and hope to see you back in SA . Shane
Shane was an amazing guide during our tour - always ready to answer our questions and very knowledgeable of the region. This tour is a great mix of history and science and nature and wildlife - packed up in ~6 hours from when you depart to your return. We were able to see lots of animals in the reserve and had a great trip to the Sterkfontein caves where we learned more about the history of humankind.
Thank you Fabio for your review. Appreciate you taking the time. All The Best Shane
You may not see the lions or you may see them asleep... Cheetahs may not want to show up. Safari is very fast
Hi Laura. Unfortunately wild animals don't always come close to the vehicle, that's what makes Africa such an exciting place There are no guarantees on a safari. All the best . Shane
If you are short on time in Joburg and wanted to do a mini safari and visit the cradle of humankind area, then this is the tour for you. We managed to see lions, cheetah, rhinos and more at Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve in the morning and went to Sterkfontein Cave at around noon time. Shane is full of experience and is very informative
Thank you Robin for a fantastic day. I am happy you enjoyed the adventure. Hope to see you again. Shane
I did this tour solo and it was absolutely perfect. Shane was an incredible guide — professional, punctual, knowledgeable, and extremely kind. At the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, we saw many animals up close, and Shane explained everything with passion and detail. Then, at the Sterkfontein Caves, he gave fascinating insights into the history and archaeology of the site, making the experience even more special. Even though I was traveling alone, I felt completely safe, comfortable, and well taken care of the entire time. I highly recommend this tour with Shane. Truly an unforgettable day!
Magarita it is so important that solo lady travelers feel safe in our country while travelling. Thank you for the review. Look forward to seeing your family in South Africa . Shane
