Cradle of Humankind Tour: Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Explore the fascinating Cradle of Humankind on this custom tour that takes you through the Sterkfontein Caves and the Maropeng Visitor Centre. Marvel at ancient fossils and learn about the history of human evolution with an expert guide. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience. This 3-hour adventure offers a perfect blend of education and adventure, ideal for families, solo travelers, and groups alike.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Discover one of the world’s most significant paleoanthropological sites, where ancient fossils reveal the story of human evolution. Upon arrival, your accredited guide will lead you through the Maropeng Visitor Centre, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating displays of early human history. You’ll explore the Sterkfontein Caves, where some of the oldest hominid fossils have been unearthed, and learn about groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of humanity’s origins. The experience combines history, science, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit for history lovers and curious minds alike.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Professional accredited guide

Bottled water during the tour

Round-trip transportation (if your tour includes pickup & drop-off)

Entrance fees to Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves

Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

Personal expenses and souvenirs

Gratuities (optional)

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Cradle of Humankind Tour: Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Solo tour
susana498,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour guide was amazing, friendly, and knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable on a solo tour. I will do all my tours with this group. I had a d eat time.
Discovering Mankind
rejoiceg788,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a beautiful experience. Was my first time in a cave. It’s hugeeee. I spent over 40 minutes. The Guide was very polite and knowledgeable. Met Mrs Ples and Little Foot.
Best tour guide ever!!!! We fell in love with South Africa thanks to this service!
H6076DXvann,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best tour guide ever--very knowledgeable, friendly, kind, and fun! My son and I had the best time of our lives thanks to this incredible experience with this service. Will recommend all my friends when they visit South Africa, and we will use the service again on our next trip to Cape Town! Thank you so much!
Wonderful experience
G9132JOjerryh,,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great educational experience. I recommend it. The driver was very helpful recommending local places to visit. Because of him I was able to experience some wonderful local culture. When I come back, ill be using him again.
Very impressiv .Enjoyed IT very much
René G,,Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a very intresting Tour which we would so everytime again. The Guido was extremly helpfull and a very good Driver. He was punctally , explained everything in Detail and reacted in personal requests. Any time again.
Day tour to the where humunity began! Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng are a must for any trip to Jo'Burg.
Kaietours,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Cradle of Humankind Tour: Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng – A Journey Through Time I had an absolutely amazing day exploring the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a profound glimpse into our shared ancestral past. This tour was a perfect blend of rich history, fascinating science, and cultural depth. The Sterkfontein Caves were both eerie and awe-inspiring. Yes, the enclosed spaces can feel a bit tight, but that’s part of the cave experience—and it only added to the sense of wonder. Walking through the same spaces where some of the oldest hominid fossils were discovered was surreal. Maropeng was equally captivating, especially the boat ride in complete darkness at the start of the exhibit. It was a highlight of the trip—unexpected, immersive, and symbolic of the journey of life and evolution. While the tour was conducted by guides from the Cradle of Humankind, I must give special credit to Thabang Msiza, the tour operator who prepared me for the experience. His deep knowledge of both the museum and the caves enriched the entire day. His insights helped me appreciate the significance of each site even more. I highly recommend this day tour to anyone visiting Johannesburg. It’s not just a sightseeing trip—it’s a journey into the origins of humanity.
Very Happy
Maps46244465276,,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thabang was very knowledgeable and insightful. He took the time to make sure that we understood the history of South Africa. Will definitely book him again!!!!
A Must-Do in Johannesburg – Sterkfontein & Maropeng
TanneryO,,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing time on the Cradle of Humankind Tour visiting the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng with Khambanathi Tours. There's a little misunderstanding but the tour agency and guide manage to resolve the issue within 15min. Our tour guide Thabang was fantastic – very friendly, approachable, everything was well organized from the pick-up to the return, and the whole experience felt smooth and stress-free. The Sterkfontein Caves were fascinating to explore – a little adventurous but completely safe – and it was incredible to stand in the place where some of the most important fossils were discovered. At Maropeng, the exhibitions were modern, interactive, and really brought the story of our origins to life. This tour was both educational and fun, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Johannesburg. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone curious about history and culture!