Private Tour

Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours

Mobile ticket

The Cradle of Humankind is one of the most interesting archeological tours one can do near Johannesburg. It is home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1947 Dr. Rorbert Broom and John Robinson discovered “Mrs Ples” a skull of a fully grown adult Australopithecus Africanus and in 1998 Professor Ron Clarke discovered fossil fragments here which led to the location of “Little Foot” a nearly complete remains of Australopithecus Africanus. In 2008 Professor Lee Berger announced the discovery of “Sediba” also at the Cradle area.

The Sterkfontein Caves located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind is described as the ‘anthropological treasure house of the world. It is the World's oldest and continuous paleontological diggings, having been worked on for more than 60 years, and contains one-third of the World's hominid fossils.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Johannesburg

Pick up at your hotel. A general introduction and overview of the area and the guide will brief you about the program of the day. As you arrive, enjoy a scenic view of the Cradle area situated about 1 hour drive from the city of Johannesburg.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Sterkfontein Cave

Explore the Sterkfontein Caves on an educational Guided tour of the underground cave. The Sterkfontein Caves located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind is described as the ‘anthropological treasure house of the world. It is the World's oldest and continuous paleontological diggings, having been worked on for more than 60 and holds about one-third of the World's ever-discovered hominid fossils.

1 hour • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Bottled water

English speaking guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Personal Purchases

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Must do Tour While in Johannesburg
BethB,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We would highly recommend this tour! We enjoyed our time with professional guide, Witness. Witness provided a brief historical lesson on South Africa, the impacts of the Dutch and British and also the discovery of the area now known as The Cradle of Humankind. The cave and museum tours were worth doing.
We drove to the caves and walked thru. The archeology was fascinating.
M9341ROsusans,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Witness is a great guide. He is informed and helpful and made sure we enjoyed the caves and museum and gave us insight into African culture.
Amazing experience in Cradle of Humankind
506marinad,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sterkfontein cave was amazing. Our guide was Witniss. Everything was on time. The guide told us many Interesting facts about South Africa and Johannesburg.
Good company
juditw610,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Friendly guide, plenty of time. During the ride, an open conversation on very diverse topics creates a pleasant atmosphere. Also tells some background to the activity we were going to do, and the country and the people.
Definitely amazing
H2335YDthomasc,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an wonderful experience, the guide was very knowledgeable and helpful for getting us around and getting us set up for each tour, definitely worth seeing the caves and the cradle of human kind
Great Experience!
Y4249WZlauram,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic easy experience. We booked online and was picked up the next day at our hotel. Lots of great information about Johannesburg on the drive to the caves. Our guide made everything streamlined and we were able to just sit back and relax. I 100% recommend this service and excursion!
Wonderful Tour with the best Guide
BritishAngeleno,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful tour with Witness. He picked us up from our hotel in a comfortable car, and on the hour or so drive there and back gave us a lot of information about the history and culture of South Africa. He was very knowledgeable and a delight. If you are looking for a great tour guide, I highly recommend him. We visited the caves, which can be challenging if you are claustrophobic, and then went to the museum. It was a great tour and very interesting.
Stellar tour of Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Museum!
Pamsmithbeatty,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide, Witness, picked us up promptly at the appointed time. The van was comfortable with great AC, and Witness made sure we had water to drink throughout the tour. The Sterkfontein Caves were amazing! Lots of steps, both up and down, and a few areas where we needed to squat-walk, but it was so worth the effort! Thank you Witness - we had the most excellent conversations throughout our day with you. Outstanding work!!
Great guide and fascinating tour
Christine V,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very interesting tour and our guide Witness was friendly, punctual, and efficient. Highly recommended, but be aware some cave sections require crouching to pass through.
Great guide and fascinating tour
chrisvJ2934EE,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very interesting tour and our guide Witness was friendly, punctual, and efficient. Highly recommended, but be aware some cave sections require crouching to pass through.