Cradle of Humankind

Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage site covering some 47,000 hectares of land with dolomitic limestone caves and 15 major fossil sites, each of which have yielded fossils ranging from ancient monkeys to hominoids.

Maropeng Visitor Center

Maropeng Visitor Center is the official visitor center of the Cradle of Humankind. This world-class exhibition center starts with the beginning of the earth and tracks the development of hominoids and how humans evolved through the use of tools, fire and language. There is a sizable fossil display, numerous interactive exhibits and an underground boat ride in which you travel back in time through the creation of the earth, finishing in a black hole. Note that there is a discount if you purchase both the Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves tickets at the same time. From Johannesburg, take the N1 to the M5 and head north about 12 km to the N14. Take the N14 west 15 km to the R563 and head north 8.5 km to D400 (a left-only turnoff). Continue west on D400 for 2.5 km to the right turn off to the site.

The Sterkfontein Caves

The Sterkfontein Caves is the location where hominoid fossils were found, helping to shape our understanding of human development. One of the more impressive discoveries at this site was a 1947 fossil find of a 2.3 million-year-old early hominoid fossil named Australopithecus africanusa, affectionately known as Mrs. Ples. There is an exhibition center displaying some of the fossils removed from the caves and a restaurant serving drinks and light meals.

From Johannesburg take the N1 to the M5 and head north about 12 km to the N14. Take the N14 west 15 km to the R563 and head north 1.5 km to Sterkfontein Rd turn right and continue 1 km to the site.

Old Kromdraai Gold Mine

Old Kromdraai Gold Mine was one of the first gold mines in the Johannesburg area. Gold was discovered here in 1881, five years before larger deposits were found in the Witwatersrand reef near Johannesburg. The mine was closed in 1914, which provides for a unique opportunity to see the mining methods and conditions in which the early miners worked including some of the original tools and equipment used in the mine. Tours cover the mine's history and mining culture, and take you down the coco pan tracks into the heart of the mine.

From Johannesburg, take the N1 to the M5 and head north about 12 km to the N14. Take the N14 west 13 km to a one-way turn off to the right and head north 4 km on Kromdraai Rd to the farm.

Lion Park

Lion Park has over 80 lions, including the rare white lion, as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena, jackal, and a variety of antelope that are protected from the predators in a separate area. The Cub World section of the park lets guests play with tame baby lions and stand on a raised platform to feed the resident giraffe. The park includes a restaurant, picnic and braai area, playground, as well as luxury tented accommodation (s R350, d R550).

Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve

Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve covers 1,200 hectares and provides an opportunity to see white rhino, lion, buffalo, hippo and plenty of smaller animals within a short drive from the city. There are a number of events scheduled throughout the day that allow for a more up close experience with the animals including snake displays, hand feeding of lions, cheetahs and wild dogs, and photo ops with lion, cheetah and tiger cubs. Safari drives are also on offer and hut and log cabin accommodation is available.

Wonder Cave

Located inside the nature reserve but independently run is the Wonder Cave, a spectacular piece of nature formed over the past 5 million years. Take a lift up to the caves where you will see huge stalactites & stalagmites and various other unique cave formations. Special abseiling or night tours can be arranged.

From Johannesburg take the N1 to the M5 and head north about 12 km to the N14. Take the N14 west 13 km to a one-way turn off to the right and head north 8 km on Kromdraai Rd to the entrance gate.