Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and cave Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

French

5 hours

Mobile ticket

Visiting this location provides a chance to delve into the fascinating world of paleoanthropology, learn about our ancestors, and understand our evolutionary journey.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

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

Maropeng Visitor Centre

Maropeng is the official visitors’ centre for the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site within easy distance of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Its name means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, one of South Africa’s 11 official languages. At the Maropeng Visitor Centre you will journey back in time from the start of our universe, some 14 billion years ago, to the present and beyond. Inside the tumulus building, you'll find fun, interactive displays that could keep you occupied for a morning or even a whole day, whilst serving up plenty of food for thought about our future in the 21st century and beyond. The centre lies on the boundary of a 47 000-hectare area, which was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1999. More than 1000 hominid fossils and several hominid species have been found in a network of limestone caves here, spanning a period of around three million years

1 hour • Admission Included

Sterkfontein Cave

Discover the Secrets of Early Humans in the World-Famous Sterkfontein Caves Step into the depths of the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves, where every step takes you millions of years back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just a cave—it's a portal to the past, revealing some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in human evolution. Famous for the "Mrs Ples" skull and the nearly complete 3.67-million-year-old "Little Foot" skeleton, Sterkfontein has yielded thousands of fossils that continues reshaping our understanding of human evolution.

1 hour • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Admission fee

Air-conditioned vehicle

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Lesedi Village and cave

Pickup included

Maropeng, caves and lesedi

Pickup included

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and cave Tour

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great place
Tour16990504558,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an awesome experience, very informative. The Team was professional, interactive from pick-up point and throughout the tour. Service delivered 👌🏾
An exceptional experience.
jamkali,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was amazing to see the history of mankind in South Africa in detail and visit the caves where the oldest human fossils were found. A must-do trip for history! With the Cradle of Humankind tour, I will be back again.
Our first trip to south africa was fantastic.
acgana,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guide shared a lot of information with us throughout the ride over and was highly knowledgeable about South Africa. We discussed languages, South African history, growing up in South Africa, and what to anticipate from the on-site visits. He was really courteous and informed, and I would definitely hire these people for excursions at any time.
A day at The Cradle of Humankind
stephaniejU7995TI,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It's not your normal museum. Youngsters are urged to experiment and assess their understanding. The tour guide was incredibly informed and had a kind demeanour with children. He provided a wealth of data and facts. The exhibits and models captivated the audience. For my family, the boat ride into a pitch-black cave that represented time travel was the high point. There was more thrill and intrigue in the exhibit because of the water splashing, the dark twists and turns, and the dinosaurs peaking around dark corners. The day was nicely spent. I really suggest going, especially if you have kids who will be in awe.Thanks for Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and cave Tour.
Outstanding Experience!
yinpgng,,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked this tour in South Africa at the last minute, we had a very knowledgeable and experienced guide who explained and showed us everything about the history and geology of South Africa. It was not as difficult as we thought when climbing a cave with a body bending over a short distance of 25 meters. I would always recommend it.
Wonderful experience.
Excursion19555716760,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience was unique and the best tour guide in south africa by far. In the last two years, I have made four reservations with Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and cave Tour Tours. In south africa , t are my first choice for anything.
Recommended by me!
Excursion40379223260,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We are grateful that this site is recognised as a World Heritage Site. The inside is very stunning and wonderful. The tours are fantastic, and the staff is incredibly courteous and informed, answering all of your questions and making you feel valued. The other travellers make the trip the most enjoyable; it's exciting to be in groups and get to see the expanding collection.
Cradle of humankind and so much more
V582EOabdurr,,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This location is amazing; what a journey through human history! It's also appropriate for solo travel. Our amazing guide deserves special recognition for a welcoming, enjoyable, informed, and secure trip. Everything proceeded without a hitch. Along with the locations and their guides, he also taught us about the history, culture, and honest, first-hand experiences of modern-day Johannesburg. This tour is fantastic!
Great way to spend the day!
Compass58311333566,,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I bought the full day Cradle of Human Kind tour. They picked me up from my hotel Airbnb and I loved it! They helped me learn a lot about South Africa and I was very impressed, good service and they dropped me off at my hotel. I thank them very much for their service. Honest and legitimate travel business! Comfortable! I give this tour a 10/10.
A Wonderful Experience
Discover66028775132,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A wonderful experience! The entire experience was enjoyable and welcoming thanks to Marvin and his team, who are incredible! incredibly informed as well; I appreciated his passion for the culture and discovered many interesting facts about Africa! They and the tour of the Cradle of Humankind are highly recommended! Excellent restaurant, museum, and caverns!