The "Cradle of Humankind" was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 and is located about 50 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Gauteng province. This site currently occupies 47.000 hectares and contains a complex of limestone caves.
The Sterkfontein Caves contain the discovery of a 2.3-million-year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed "Mrs. Ples"), found in 1947 by Robert Broom and John T. Robinson. This important discovery helped to corroborate the 1924 discovery of the juvenile 'Australopithecus africanus' skull, "Taung Child", by Raymond Dart, at Taung in the North West Province of South Africa, where excavations still continue.
Nearby the site, but not in the site, the Rising Star Cave system contains the Dinaledi Chamber ("chamber of stars") in which were discovered fifteen fossil skeletons of extinct species of hominin, provisionally named 'Homo naledi'.
Sterkfontein alone has produced more than a third of early hominid fossils ever found prior to 2010. The Dinaledi Chamber contains over 1500 'H. naledi' fossils, the most extensive discovery of a single hominid species ever found in Africa.
Cradle Of Humankind Half-Day Tour From Johannesburg
- See more images
- See more images
- See more images
Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Hotel pickup Available
- Duration: 6 Hrs
-
Language:
English
-
Departure Time :
8:00 AM
-
Departure Details :
O.R Tambo International Airport or your centrally located hotel in Johannesburg
-
Return Details :
Returns to original departure point
-
Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Overview
Get up close to the "Cradle of humankind" on a half-day tour from Johannesburg. This extremely important archeological site currently occupies an area of 47,000 hectares. Its name reflects the fact that the site has produced a large number of and some of the oldest hominin fossils ever found. Know the complex of limestone caves including the Sterkfontein caves where the 2.3 million-year-old fossil Mrs. Ples was found in 1947. Includes roundtrip transportation from the airport or your hotel.
Know More about this tour
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Driver/guide (FGASA and DEAT registered)
One bottle of water per guest
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Entry/Admission - Sterkfontein Cave
Entry/Admission - The Cradle of Humankind
Exclusions
Items of a personal nature
Additional drinks
Gratuities
Food and drinks (available for purchase)
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Dress according to the weather of the day. Bring a warm jacket, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, proper shoes, camera, and binoculars
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Traveler Reviews
-
![]()
This tour is basically a cab ride with a free bottle of water. The “guide” picks you up, pays for the tickets, stops at a store for a bottle of water and drives you back. Communication was so poor I ended up taking an Uber to the site because I received no response confirming pick up time and address. The Cradle and caves are interesting but geared towards families and kids. The cradle seriously needs upgrades and updates (latest stats date back to 2005)
-
![]()
A great experience. Both the caves and the museum were fascinating and Danny, the Guide at the caves, was knowledgeable and entertaining.
Having said that, the organisation of the trip itself was somewhat chaotic.
Our original booking, and initial confirmation from, was for a Full Day Tour starting with a 9am pickup from our hotel in Joburg.
The printed ticket said a Half Day Tour, pickup at 8am
The electronic voucher also stated Half Day Tour but pickup at 9amOn checking the booking, especially with regard to the Full/Half Day change, the tripadvisor states, in the 'What to expect' section of the Half Day Tour description... Full Day Tour
I spoke to the tour supplier, Ama-Zing African Safaris, and they confirmed that it was a Full Day Tour and that pickup was at 8am and that they had been trying to get the tripadvisor and Viator listings corrected to show the true details of the service.
Oh, and then, on the evening before the trip, the supplier emailed to say that, due to a vehicle malfunction, we were going to have to share our trip with another couple. Fortunately they were very nice and of similar age, outlook and humour as ourselves so the tour was enhanced rather than spoilt.
-
![]()
Interesting and informative. Very frienndly guide.
-
![]()
The Cradle of Humankind visit was most informative and a definite thumbs up for youngsters above age 5 for its interactive displays.
The guided portion could be slowed down and one of the guides talked too fast-- which made it difficult for those who are accent challenged. I would definitely advise leaving time to peruse portions before and after the tour to read at one's leisure.
