Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
The Cradle of Humankind is one of the most interesting archeological tours one can do near Johannesburg. It is home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1947 Dr. Rorbert Broom and John Robinson discovered “Mrs Ples” a skull of a fully grown adult Australopithecus Africanus and in 1998 Professor Ron Clarke discovered fossil fragments here which led to the location of “Little Foot” a nearly complete remains of Australopithecus Africanus. In 2008 Professor Lee Berger announced the discovery of “Sediba” also at the Cradle area. The Sterkfontein Caves located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind is described as the ‘anthropological treasure house of the world. It is the World's oldest and continuous paleontological diggings, having been worked on for more than 60 years, and contains one-third of the World's hominid fossils.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- English speaking guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What's not
- Personal Purchases
Itinerary
Pick up at your hotel. A general introduction and overview of the area and the guide will brief you about the program of the day. As you arrive, enjoy a scenic view of the Cradle area situated about 1 hour drive from the city of Johannesburg.
Explore the Sterkfontein Caves on an educational Guided tour of the underground cave. The Sterkfontein Caves located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind is described as the ‘anthropological treasure house of the world. It is the World's oldest and continuous paleontological diggings, having been worked on for more than 60 and holds about one-third of the World's ever-discovered hominid fossils.
After about 10 10-minute drive to Maropeng, We arrive at the Visitors Centre where you will be highlighted by a Guide then proceed on a magical boat road through an artificial underground cave that leads you to a Museum. The Tumulus at Maropeng is the main visitor and interpretation center for the Cradle. It is designed to resemble a grass-covered ancient burial mound from the outside. The museum comprises of exhibitions on the formation of fossils and the evolution of Humankind. The tour is both educational and great fun with interactive displays and magical underground boat cruises. After a 10 minutes drive we visit Maropeng Visitors Centre where you will be highlighted by a Guide then proceed on a magical boat road through an artificial underground cave that leads you to a Museum. We will enjoy a mouth-watering Buffet Lunch at Maropeng, the Tumulus restaurant that offers the best views of the Cradle area.
After this wonderful and fascinating experience, the guide will drive you back to Johannesburg or Pretoria where you will be dropped back at your hotel or starting point
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 514
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 15 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Thiya Tours and Safaris
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Pretoria
- Its from-price is 20% below the median of the 237 day trips we list in Pretoria.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 52 of 237.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Pretoria
Pretoria is South Africa's administrative capital in Gauteng, known for jacaranda-lined streets, the Union Buildings and sites of the nation's history.
Pretoria sits in a valley between ridges of the highveld, about an hour's drive north of Johannesburg. The Union Buildings, a sweeping sandstone complex on a hill with formal gardens, is the seat of the presidency and the site of Nelson Mandela's 1994 inauguration. Church Square, with its statue of Paul Kruger, is the historic heart, and the Voortrekker Monument stands on a hilltop, a granite landmark with a museum inside.
Top-ranked sights in Pretoria: Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings, Kruger Museum.
Special offers in Pretoria
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
