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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
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1The Cradle of Humankind
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Sterkfontein Cave
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!
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3Maropeng Visitor Centre
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- 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
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Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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