Welcome to Maropeng and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this area of South Africa. The Cradle of Humankind is an easy drive of about an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Our ancestors have lived in this area for more than 3-million years.

 

The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site which has been nominated for the rich diversity of fossils found in the area which cast light on human ancestors and their relatives and the environments which they lived in. The declared area is 47 000 hectares and extends approximately between Oaktree, Hekpoort, Broederstroom and Lanseria. Most of the site is in Gauteng with about 10% of the site in North West Province. Most of the site is on dolomite, a rock type which is slightly soluble in water. This has two major consequences- the formation of caves and the formation of fossils.

 

The exhibition itself is a journey of discovery from the beginnings of the world, through the history of humankind, right into the future. As you emerge from the exhibition, you discover a spectacular view of the Magaliesburg.

 

Meals:	Not Included
Duration:	3-4 Hours
Departure Time:	As Per Booking - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Notes:	A minimum of 2 Passengers

 

Includes Sterkfontein Caves