Sit­u­at­ed an hour’s dri­ve from Johan­nes­burg and Pre­to­ria, the Sterk­fontein Caves are world-famous for their fos­sil finds and are a pop­u­lar vis­i­tor destination. After an exten­sive facelift in 2005, the Sterk­fontein Caves site is now home to a top restau­rant and con­fer­enc­ing facil­i­ties, offer­ing easy access to the caves with mod­ern walk­ways and a board­walk past the exca­va­tion site where glob­al­ly acclaimed fos­sils have been discovered. The Sterk­fontein Caves are owned by the Uni­ver­si­ty of the Wit­wa­ter­srand, whose sci­en­tists have been respon­si­ble for the main exca­va­tions at this World Her­itage Site. They are cred­it­ed with many of the most notable dis­cov­er­ies in the caves, includ­ing the world-famous fos­sils of Mrs Ples and Lit­tle Foot, the lat­ter being an almost com­plete Aus­tralo­p­ithe­cus skele­ton dat­ing back more than three mil­lion years. The tours at the Sterk­fontein Caves, which start above ground and then take vis­i­tor

It is now a universally accepted fact that it is the Continent of Africa that is the birthplace of our human species. This is the place where our collective umbilical cord lies buried – in the soil of this great continent. Nowhere else on Earth does there exist such definitive and conclusive proof of our common origin as a species and thus of our common destiny. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.This site holds global significance as it contains a superbly preserved record of the various stages in the evolution of humankind over 3.5 million years. Maropeng – The Official Visitor Center to The Cradle Of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves provides a dual interactive tour experience. Maropeng’s portfolio includes a four star boutique hotel; a gastronomy inspired menu offering; large conference facilities and a green educational facility which offers dormitory style accommodation and is perfect for overnight visits.

Walk straight into a dark tunnel in the side of the hill, along where coco-pan tracks once lay. Learn about traditional mining methods and experience the working conditions that miners endured all those years ago. See how the mine has become home to bats and other critters as you make your way through ancient tunnels into the heart of the hill. A quirky and unforgettable experience that you wont find in a brochure. Adventure awaits. Closed on Mondays - Tuesday to Friday trips are by appointment only.