Cradle of Humankind
Journey back to the dawn of humanity. Walk the ancient grounds where our story began and witness the fossil evidence that defines our shared ancestry at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Disclaimer: This is not an official website. All content is for informational purposes only. We may earn commission from bookings.
Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
per person
Discover the world's largest collection of human ancestral remains on a guided half-day tour to the Cradle of Humankind.
per person
A thrilling journey into human history, exploring the Sterkfontein Caves and the interactive Maropeng Visitor Centre.
per person
Embark on a private, full-day tour combining a safari at the Lion Park with a visit to the historic Cradle of Humankind.
per person
Discover the origin of mankind at the Cradle of Humankind and experience vibrant South African culture at Lesedi Cultural Village.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Johannesburg, offers a profound journey into the origins of our species. This sprawling paleoanthropological site is home to one of the world's richest concentrations of hominid fossils. Our curated selection of tours allows you to explore the two main highlights: the state-of-the-art Maropeng Visitor Centre, which takes you on an interactive trip through time from the formation of our planet to the modern world, and the legendary Sterkfontein Caves, where iconic fossils like 'Mrs. Ples' and 'Little Foot' were discovered. By booking through our platform, you gain access to the best local guides and seamless experiences, ensuring your visit to this scientific treasure is both educational and unforgettable.
Make confident decisions by reading thousands of authentic reviews and ratings from travelers who have already experienced the tours we offer through partners like GetYourGuide.
Our streamlined booking process is safe and secure, accepting multiple payment methods. Receive instant confirmation and mobile-friendly tickets directly to your inbox.
We don't list everything, we list the best. Our team vets tour operators for quality, safety, and value, ensuring you have an exceptional experience at the Cradle of Humankind.
From express tickets to the Maropeng Centre to comprehensive full-day tours including the Sterkfontein Caves and a safari, compare options to find the perfect fit for your schedule and budget.
Skip the long ticket queues, especially during peak season. Pre-booking your tickets or tour guarantees your entry and lets you focus on the incredible journey ahead.
Our dedicated customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions or booking modifications, providing support before, during, and after your visit.
The Cradle of Humankind can be visited year-round. The winter months (May to August) offer dry, sunny, and pleasant weather for walking around. Summer (November to February) can be hot with afternoon thunderstorms, but the landscape is lush and green.
Comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles are essential|Wear layered clothing as the caves maintain a constant cool temperature year-round|Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection when walking between the sites or outdoors.
The first major fossil discovery in the area was 'Mrs. Ples', an Australopithecus africanus skull, found in 1947 by Dr. Robert Broom. This, along with other finds, helped solidify the theory that humanity originated in Africa. Decades of meticulous excavation have since revealed a continuous record of human evolution spanning millions of years, leading to its declaration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the specific tour operator booked through our platform. Most partners offer a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Please check the specific terms and conditions on the booking page before confirming your reservation.
Share your experience: #CradleOfHumankind #Maropeng #SterkfonteinCaves #HumanOrigins #VisitGauteng #SouthAfricaTravel
Real experiences from real travelers
Absolutely breathtaking. I booked a full-day tour with transport from Johannesburg, and it was seamless. Maropeng is a world-class museum - the boat ride and interactive displays are phenomenal. But the Sterkfontein Caves... that's where the magic is. Standing in the very place 'Little Foot' was found is a humbling experience I'll never forget. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate. Worth every penny.
We were looking for something educational and unique to do with our family, and this exceeded all expectations. The booking process was simple, and the tickets were on our phone instantly. The exhibits at Maropeng captivated my children, and the scale of time you travel through is mind-boggling. It's a must-do to understand the deep history of humanity and Africa's role in it.
A fascinating place. The Maropeng centre is very modern and explains the science in an accessible way. The caves are authentic and raw. My only advice is to wear very comfortable shoes. There are a LOT of stairs and bending in the caves. It's not a simple stroll. But the payoff of seeing the excavation sites is incredible. The tour was well-organized.
I'm a bit of an anthropology nerd, so this was a pilgrimage for me. Booking a guided tour was the right choice as the context provided by the guide made the experience so much richer. Hearing the stories of the discoveries while standing in the caves gave me chills. It connects you to your own history in a way nothing else can. Highly, highly recommend.
The museum at Maropeng is excellent for all ages. Very visual and interesting. The cave part of the tour was very crowded when we went, and some passages are quite narrow. If you do not like tight spaces, maybe just book a ticket for Maropeng. But it is a very important place to see. The guide was very professional and managed the group well.
This was the highlight of my trip to Gauteng. To walk where our earliest ancestors walked is a spiritual experience. I booked a combination tour that also included the Lion & Safari Park, which was a great way to see more of the area. The logistics were handled perfectly. The Cradle of Humankind itself is a world-class attraction that makes you think deeply about our place in the world.
A brilliant day out. It's incredible to see the actual places you read about in books. The sheer number of fossils found here is staggering. My only small criticism is that the on-site restaurant was very busy, so maybe pack a snack. The tour itself was fantastic value for money, and I learned so much.
What an amazing place! The entire experience, from the architecture of Maropeng to the depths of the caves, is designed to make you feel connected to our ancient past. I felt completely safe throughout the cave tour, and the guide was funny and very smart. Booking online beforehand saved us a lot of time. A truly memorable day.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 47,000 hectares. It's one of the world's most important paleoanthropological sites, containing a complex of limestone caves that have yielded an incredible number of the oldest hominid fossils ever found, some dating back as far as 3.5 million years. It provides invaluable evidence about human evolution.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets or tour in advance, especially during weekends, public holidays, and school holidays. The site has a maximum capacity, and tours can sell out. Booking through our platform guarantees your entry, helps you skip the ticket lines, and often provides better value through combined tour packages.
Maropeng is the official visitor centre. It's a modern, world-class museum with interactive exhibits, displays, and an underground boat ride that tells the story of human evolution. The Sterkfontein Caves are the actual archaeological site, a few kilometers away. This is where you go underground into the active excavation site to see where famous fossils like 'Mrs. Ples' and 'Little Foot' were discovered. Most full-day tours include visits to both.
To fully experience both the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Sterkfontein Caves, you should allocate a minimum of 4 to 5 hours. If you're on a guided tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, the entire experience, including travel time, will likely be a full-day trip of around 8 hours.
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is extremely family-friendly and highly educational for children, with many interactive exhibits. The Sterkfontein Caves tour can also be great for older children (6+). However, it involves dark spaces, lots of stairs, and requires children to be able to walk unassisted and follow instructions carefully for safety.
Comfort is key. Wear comfortable, flat, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip, as the cave floors can be uneven and wet. Dress in layers, as it can be cool underground even on a hot day. There is also a fair amount of walking outdoors between sites, so sun protection like a hat and sunscreen is advisable.
Unfortunately, the Sterkfontein Caves are not accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or people with significant mobility challenges due to the natural terrain, which includes over 200 steps and some narrow passages. The Maropeng Visitor Centre, however, is largely wheelchair accessible.
While you can buy tickets for just the Maropeng Visitor Centre and explore at your own pace, entry into the Sterkfontein Caves is only possible as part of a guided tour for safety and preservation reasons. Booking a comprehensive tour package often provides the best value and a more enriching experience with expert commentary.
The site is about a 50-60 minute drive from Johannesburg. You can self-drive if you have a rental car. However, for convenience and to get the most out of your visit, we highly recommend booking one of the many tour options available on our site. These tours typically include comfortable, air-conditioned transport directly from your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria, taking all the hassle out of your day.
Join thousands of happy travelers who have discovered this incredible experience
Book Your Experience Now