For the Personal Touch
Sterkfontein Caves and the surrounding area is one of the richest sites for fossil hominins in the world. Walk down into these caves
and see why the fossils here are so intact and how they got here. The ongoing excavations in this cave yielded 'Mrs Ples' in 1947, and
'Little Foot' in 1998, both Australopithecus species. Nearby, a whole new species, Australopithecus sediba, was discovered in 2010 and
Homo naledi in 2015.
The walk around the site has vantage points showing the location of other caves in the Cradle, altogether about 150. New ones are still
being located. The natural vegetation of the area is varied and interesting, easily examined while walking.
Maropeng visitor centre explains the forces shaping the earth, life and evolution, and has a display of fossils. The walk outside has
beautiful views across the Cradle. You are collected from your place of accommodation and we proceed to the caves. We descend on a
guided tour of the caves themselves, and spend some time in the museum.
After the tour, we walk around the diggings where Mrs Ples was found, and along the boardwalk where other caves in the Cradle are
pointed out. From Sterkfontein, we proceed to Maropeng Visitor Centre where we enjoy the hands-on exhibits and examine the original
fossils in the fossil museum.
Situated close to the Sterkfontein Caves is the Rhino and Lion Park.This small private game reserve has a large variety of free
roaming antelope, buffalo and rhino. In addition, there are populations of wild dog, lion and cheetah in drive-through enclosures. A
vulture restaurant attracts there amazing birds, and the visitor centre has a wide variety of animals in a zoo setting. The hippo pools
offer hippo, an enclosure of Ground Hornbill, and more lion.
Depending on the time available, and your requirements, we can take the scenic route back. This is longer, and goes through the Cradle
via the Witwatersberg mountains, providing a glimpse of the beauty of this area. This is a full day tour, and all refreshments are
provided. If anything extra is required, there is a restaurant/coffee shop at both locations, as well as gift shops.
Origins Centre is at the University of the Witwatersrand, in Johannesburg city. This museum offers wonderful displays on the
development of modern humans - stone tools, stone engravings and paintings, and a wonderful exhibit on the San people, some of the
earliest modern people and the original inhabitants of this area.
Please remember - my speciality is customised tours.
I will quote on a customised tour or amend itineraries to suit you.
Your Guide
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
