Sterkfontein Cave

sterkfontein caves tour

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Stuart T

STERKFONTEIN CAVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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This is an amazing tour taking you back in time to what life looked like millions of years ago. This is a popular tour and takes you west of Johannesburg, near the Magaliesberg mountains into the agricultural sector of the province so it is quite a scenic drive from Sandton and Johannesburg.

The Sterkfontein Caves lies in the Sterkfontein Valley, now known to be the very cradle of humankind. This is endorsed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site .

** Half day tour – can be combined with Maropeng for a full day tour

We will travel a mere 45 minute drive west of Johannesburg to reach the Sterkfontein Caves

The tours at the Sterkfontein Caves, which start above ground and then take visitors deep into the caves, an hour long guided tour of the caves take visitors on a journey deep under the earth about 60 meters with a staircase.

Before entering the caves, visitors are guided through an exhibition which details the story of the evolution of humankind and sheds light on what life was like in this part of the world millions of years ago. The exhibition also introduces visitors to the famous fossils which have been discovered in these caves, most notably Mrs Ples, a 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus skull and Little Foot, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton more than three million years old. The vital importance of these discoveries for our understanding of man’s evolution is also outlined in the exhibition.

After walking through the small exhibition, visitors then begin the tour of the caves. As the caves are deep and have some narrow pathways, visitors must wear comfortable shoes, and leave large handbags or luggage behind. People who suffer from claustrophobia, asthma or chest problems may find the visit too difficult. Highlights of the cave include the ‘bottomless’ lake and the small caverns where the most famous fossils were found.

After exiting the caves via stairway again, you can follow the footpath around to the excavation site where scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand are continuing to work on finding more fossils.

  • Departure From Hotels or Guesthouses
  • Departure Time 09h00
  • Return Time 13h00
  • Included Tourist guide fee Vehicle Entrance fee Water on the vehicle
  • Not Included Meals Drinks Gratuities

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+27834700888 or [email protected]

20 Middle Street, East Town, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 2195

Mon - Sat 8.00 - 18.00 Sunday CLOSED

sterkfontein caves tour

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Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves Tour

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  • < 4 Hours

Any Hotel or Address in Johannesburg

Highlights:

  • Guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves
  • View the Maropeng Visitors center 
  • Return air conditioned vehicle transfers
  •  24 Hour cancellation available  

Description:

Join us for a trip back to the beginning of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind is home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sterkfontein Caves located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind is described as the ‘anthropological treasure house of the world’.

The Sterkfontein Caves is the site of some of the most important discoveries concerning the evolution of man. The Maropeng Visitor Centre in the dramatic Tumulus building is an information and science hub with a collection of brilliant exhibitions that focus on the evolution of humans over the past few million years. The tour is both educational and great fun with interactive displays and magical underground boat cruises.

After pick-ups, we drive to The Cradle of Humankind, located north of Johannesburg (about 35 to 45-minutes’ drive from the city).

First stop is the famous Sterkfontein Caves for a 1-hour guided tour of the underground cave system. You’re taken on a fascinating journey deep under the earth to the place where the remains of some of our oldest ancestors have been found.

Next stop is the Maropeng Visitors Centre in the striking Tumulus building for a tour of the world-class exhibition halls. Each hall takes you back in time to the first known traces of the human race. A highlight is a magical boat road through an artificial underground cave system and the interactive displays.

The tour doesn’t include lunch but you can grab a bite to eat and drink at the Tumulus restaurant which has the best views of the Cradle of Humankind. Your guide drives you back to the city and drops you off at your accommodation.

  • Free Onboard Uncapped WiFi  
  • Collection and drop-off from any address in Johannesburg
  • Transfers in an air-conditioned tour vehicle
  • English-speaking guide
  • Sterkfontein Caves entrance fee and guided tour
  • Maropeng Visitors Centre entrance fee
  • Boat ride in the Maropeng Visitors Centre
  • Personal purchases
  • Food and drinks other than stated 

Good to know:

Group tours MoAfrika Tours and its service providers offer cost effective group tours and transfers ranging from 2 – 12 persons per vehicle, please do inform us if you would prefer a private tour (additional rates may apply).

Collection / Drop off Collection from any Hotel or Address in Johannesburg between 07:30am – 09:30am and 13:30 – 14:30. Drop-off at any hotel or address in Johannesburg from 13h30 and 17:30.

Please note If you plan to fly out of OR Tambo International Airport on the last day of your travels, we suggest reserving a domestic flight that departs no earlier than 19h30 and an international flight that departs no earlier than 21h00.

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Sterkfontein Caves and Lesedi Cultural Village Day Tour

From r1,900 pp.

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Lesedi Cultural Village Day Tour

The ‘Rainbow Nation’ of South Africa is very unique from any other country in the world. What makes this country so unique is that it is comprised of over 12 different ethnic groups. The Lesedi Cultural village is a colorful and vibrant journey into the various tribal homesteads and culture that make up the majority of South Africa . The cultural village is a fantastic way to get on overview of South Africa’s tribal history. The Lesedi Cultural Village Day Tour lasts for approximately 2 hours.

And if the visual stimuli was not enough we finish the tour with a demonstration of African drumming and traditional dancing. African drums hold a special place in the hearts of the Zulu and Xhosa people. Drumming in the rest of the world is associated with making music sound better. In South Africa , the drum represents a more symbolic and historical meaning. Combined with a traditional ritual dance, the drums are a vital part of any ceremony from births to deaths to weddings. The loud pounding of many drums is a powerful way of stirring up emotions especially before going to battle. And the only battle you will experience is the fighting for leftovers from lunch.

Sterkfontein caves Day Tour

The enchanting and ancient Sterkfontein caves have been attracting visitors from all over the world for more than 30 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and the discovery of the oldest human skull known to man. This incredible subterranean cave system is located beneath the rolling hills of African bush situated in the World Heritage site known as the ‘Cradle of Humankind’.

The guided day tour  through the Sterkfontein Caves will be an unforgettable sightseeing experience as you wander through majestic caverns, explore archeological sites, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy the crisp clear air of an ancient cave system. The caves are only an hour’s drive from Johannesburg . The most recent discovery is that of an almost complete ape man skeleton named ‘Little Foot’. The fossil is believed to be nearly 4 million years old. 

South African Cultural Day Tours in Johannesburg

  • Our tours begin and end in  Johannesburg  or  Pretoria
  • Pick up time is 9:30am from your hotel. You will be met by your guide who will be with you for the duration of your  cultural tour .
  • The first part of the tour sees us driving through the green suburbs of  Johannesburg  towards the  Cradle of Humankind  where the  Sterkfontein caves  are situated. The drive takes about an hour.
  • Once we get there you will be met by a cave expert who will take you through the museum of archaeology before you brave the incredible and ancient labyrinths of lime stone caverns, stalactites and stalagmites of the  Sterkfontein Caves .
  • The underground takes about an hour and you will get to see not only the fascinating natural features of a 4 million year old cave, but will pass the many excavation sites where the oldest human skull and bones were painstakingkly extracted from the rock. Most of the cave system is still virtually unexplored. And we don’t expect you to don your hard hat and set off into the cavernous abyss looking for dinosaur fossils. In fact, the tour only permits guests to explore a small percentage of the caves.
  • And don’t worry. There is no crawling through small spaces while trailing out a line of string to find our way back. The caverns inside the  Sterkfontein caves  are pretty big with built in walkways. So getting lost is virtually impossible.

Once you finally make your way back to daylight, we take the 20 minute drive through to the  Lesedi Cultural village  where we start part two of the  tour .

  • The first part of the tour involves a dynamic and charismatic Zulu warrior taking you on a historical and  cultural tour  of the many  South African villages  that make up our Rainbow Nation. He will illustrate to you how the people have been living for centuries. What food they eat. How they farm.
  • Once the  village tour   is complete, you will be blown away with a 45 minute drumming and Zulu dancing show. A vital part of the  cultural  heritage of many  South African  tribes.
  • After the drumming and dancing session we will indulge your senses in a traditional  South African  lunch.
  • After lunch we take you back to your hotel. Back by about 15h30

What the traditional lunch comprises:

  • Lots of meat,  South Africa  is a meat-eating nation.
  • ‘Pap’, a traditional warm porridge made from maize and served with a tomato and onion sauce
  • ‘Morogo’, a wild African spinach
  • Samp, a mixture od various beans and corn served with butter and homemade spices

*vegetarian or Western food on request

  • Return transfers Johannesburg to both tours
  • All access fees and permits for the Sterkfontein caves and Lesedi Cultural village
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Qualified travel guide
  • Lunch , as well as unlimited water and hot beverages
  • 1 hour interactive tour of the caves
  • Tour of the cultural village
  • Drumming and African dancing session
  • Local Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights and airport taxes
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips for guides
  • Visas for South Africa
  • Health requirements (if any)
  • Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
  • Meals & drinks not specified
  • Underground tour of a 4 million year old cave
  • Site of the oldest known human skull
  • Traditional African dancing
  • African drumming
  • You will accompanied on your cultural day tour with a qualifies guide
  • Only 1 hour from Johannesburg
  • Traditional South African Lunch
  • Pick up from any place within Johannesburg at no extra cost

Lesedi Cultural village_Day tour in Johannesburg South Africa

  • Ekala Eco Tours contact
  • Ekala Guest House Johannesburg

Cradle of Humankind Tours

Please note:, sterkfontein cave is currently closed due to several events..

Maropeng is open, and we can supply tours to this site – the visitor’s centre with the museum.

If looking to book a tour with Ekala for a date in the future – please contact us and we will advise accordingly.

Sterkfontein Cave

Maropeng – Sterkfontein Cave – Cradle of Humankind day tours.

Paleontologists hominid fossil sites., south african world heritage site – cradle of humankind – maropeng and sterkfontein cave day tours.

Private collection and drop off – Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Or colection anywhere – just give us the details and we will quote

Thus supplied as a fully guided professional Cradle of Humankind day tour. Then covering en-route as may be possible from collection to drop off.

As a result, not simply a point-to-point transfer with a driver.

Sterkfontein Cave – Geological Wonder on Johannesburg outskirts.

Sterkfontein Cave, regarded today as one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites.

Sterkfontein-Cave-Cradle-of-Humankind

A South African World Heritage Site

The largest number of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world..

Cradle of Humankind – Maropeng and Sterkfontein Cave

Declared a World Heritage Site in December 1999. The area of Cradle of Humankind is approximately 48 000 hectares. And so housing caves of Sterkfontein, Draaimolen, Swartkrans and Wonder Caves. Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng – Early human environment and development. World Heritage site and location of newest find – Homo Naledi in the Rising Star cave. Accordingly Ekala covers as much of the Cradle of Humankind as can be covered in the time available – as a fully guided tour. Additionally, discussing en-route history and recent finds as we drive through/cover this huge area.
Ekala Eco Tours offer day tours that would include both Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves.
Although in our experience, the Sterkfontein cave is the main, should not miss item if time on the day is limited.

Then the almost human exhibition, introducing Homo Naledi.

Homo Naledi and the Rising Star Cave: Follow an exceptional journey of the Rising Star expedition team behind the discovery within the Cradle. Visit the largest ever public display of hominin fossils. So introducing new hominin species – Homo Naledi. Then most complete of all these 15 individuals, is Neo. This fossil then gives a sense of what a single individual looked like.
Then view footage of the inside of fossil-rich cave, including the Dinaledi Chamber. “Exhibition is a significant one for humanity” – Expedition leader Professor Lee Berger. This is thus a once in a lifetime chance – to view these fossils. Unfortunately the Homo Naledi exhibition is currently not at Maropeng, Sterkfontein Cave or at any Cradle of Humankind site. We discuss in depth the road to find Homo Naledi and expeditions since. Including the Rising Star Cave, that we stop across from the cave wile dealing with this significant discovery. Ekala’s guide on the day caries all aricles with numerous photos relating to this that is covered in depth on the tour.
While many other fossil sites exist in this area, only 13 have been excavated to date. Cradle of Humankind is thus of universal value, providing a crucial insight into the early stages of human development. Then including the environment in which our remote ancestors hunted and lived.

Fifteen major Paleo sites within the Cradle of Humankind – accordingly, discover ancient history and human beginnings – day tour from Johannesburg.

Sterkfontein-Cave-tour-entrance

Sterkfontein Cave

Sterkfontein Cave is situated 35 km to the North-West of Johannesburg (Then within the Cradle of Humankind).   Accordingly richest hominid site in South Africa, accounting for 40% of world’s hominid fossils.   Sterkfontein Cave consisting of a series of chambers, while largest is called the hall of elephants. Then leads down to underground lake.

History of Sterkfontein cave

The Sterkfontein cave opening was discovered in 1896 by Mr. G. Martignalia who was then mined the Sterkfontein Hill.   The cave was subsequently explored and found to contain magnificent flow stone formations. Thus attracting interest of several geologists.   Between 1918 and 1920, however, the Sterkfontein cave was irreversibly damaged by limestone mining exploitation and explosions.
1947, Broom discovered the most complete australopithecine known as Mrs. Ples.   1957, owners of the Sterkfontein farm donated the cave and additionally the surrounding areas to the Johannesburg University of Witwatersrand.

Ekala’s Cradle of Humankind tour.

The richest source of pre-hominid fossils on the planet. Accordingly, a World Heritage site.

The Tour – Sterkfontein Cave

There are two levels in the Sterkfontein cave. Upper section that was open at the surface for millions of years and therefore contains the fossils. Then lower section is open to the public with spectacular shapes, eroded from the dolomite.   Then a complex near the entrance includes a virtual reality auditorium, exhibition spaces, lecture theater, restaurant and shop.
Accordingly it is from here that set time Sterkfontein cave tours are conducted through the iconic caves. Which reveal the unfolding journey of humankind.

Ekala’s day tours – Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng – 7 days a week.

Exhibition/Sterkfontein Cave

Professionally created, interesting and thus easy to understand displays. Additionally, providing information and life like illustrations of the evolution of humankind.   So covering Hominid illustrations from the 7 million year old Chad Toumai fossil. Then through to modern humans. Fossil finds such as Mrs Ples, Littlefoot and Taung Child are additionally discussed in detail.
Maropeng – a Setswana word “returning to the place of origin”. Maropeng is an early stone age site, hence its rocks being used for early stone tools.   So an intriguing interactive journey through the history of life on earth. Humankind’s origins and then its continuing journey into the future.   Go back in time with an underground boat ride. Evolving story of life. Maropeng site overlooks the magnificent Magaliesburg and Witwatersberg mountain ranges. Additionally, two significant battles during the Boer War took place in this area.
Almost Human exhibition, introducing Homo Naledi. Visit the largest ever public display of hominin fossils, introducing a new hominin species – Homo Naledi. View footage of the inside of this fossil-rich cave, including Dinaledi Chamber. Sorry, at this time, this is not at Maropeng or at any Cradle of Humankind site.

Wonder Cave

2.2 million years old with a 45 000 cubic meter chamber. Accommodating stalactite and stalagmite formations of up to 15 meters. It was opened to the public in 1991.   Early lime mining fortunately did not damage this natural wonder. Access to the cave is via 88 steps to a lift that will take you down into the cave.   Pathways are well lit and no crawling is necessary. This allows easy public access.   Wonder Cave can be included with Maropeng and Sterkfontein as part of an extended day tour of the Cradle of Humankind. Must however, be booked as such, as a different vehicle is required to get to this site.
Second richest site in this area with numerous hominid fossils finds, predominantly of Australopithecus robustus. Bone tools have been found, thought to have been made and used by Homo Ergaster, forefather of Homo Sapiens.   Swartkrans is the site of fossilized hearths, demonstrating the earliest known use of fire. A collection of 270 burnt bones, 1.3 million years old, clearly proves this ability to control fire.   Ekala’s tour we do travel past this site and discuss while passing, or can stop for photos. However, not open the public
Third richest site within the Cradle of Humankind, with only recent excavations, which include 75 fossils of Australopithecus robustus and a 2 million year old, almost complete, female skull.
Aged between 1.6 to 1.9 million years old with the first fossil discovery of Paranthropus robustus and three different saber toothed cats as well as thousands of animal fossils being found.   Paranthropus robustus, more robust hominid existing 2-1 million years ago in South Africa.

Bolt’s Farm

Series of old lime quarries. Bolt’s Farm is the oldest fossil site within the Cradle of Humankind, dating to about 4.5 million years. Notable fossil finds include jaguar-like forms and sabre-toothed cats.
Became the third South African cave deposit to yield a hominid fossil. Including part of the face of a Hominids like Paranthropus robustus, and some isolated teeth, as well as a range of animal fossils.

Gladysvale Cave

First cave visited by Robert Broom in the mid-1930’s. Oldest deposits are around 2 million years old, with a considerable volume of breccia.   Over 250 000 fossils have been recovered from the Gladysvale cave, including the rare remains of hominids, a wolf – like form and skull of a giant hyena.
Early lime mining caused damage and resulting in part of the roof collapsing. No hominid fossils, discoveries limited to early forest-dwelling monkeys, indicating deposits to be around 1.3 million years old.
Fossil Hominid teeth have been found at this site, although excavation has, to date, been limited. Fossils found to date suggest age to of about 1.3 million years ago.

Plovers Lake

Fossils of a large number of animals, including baboons, antelope and extinct Zebra, have been found at Plovers lake.   No hominid fossils have been discovered, however, most of the site has not been excavated. Some deposits have been dated to around 1 million years old.

Rising Star Cave

Used for recreational caving since the 1960s. This all changed with recent excavations of over 1500 fossil hominin specimens of Homo Naledi from the Dinaledi and Lesedi Chambers by Professor Lee Berger and his team.   This is therefore the most productive hominin site, not only within  the Cradle of Humankind, but all of Africa.   Entrance is via a virtually inaccessible vertical passageway (Chute), thus only a select few will ever get to view the chamber. Accordingly is not open to public nor is it likely it ever would be.

Components of the Cradle of Humankind

Please note within the Cradle of Humankind, only Maropeng, Sterkfontein Caves and Wonder Caves are open to the public.

Tours to other sites, on occasions, can be arranged and conducted by specialist paleontologists. Prior notice required, and extra costs are applicable.

Multi-day options including Cradle of Humankind:

South African wildlife Sanctuaries

Ann van Dyk Cheetah and wild dog Sanctuary

Elephant Sanctuary

Also in the same area or en-route to the Cradle of Humankind:

Aerial Cable Way, Hartbeespoort: Spectacular panorama views of Hartbeespoort dam and Magaliesberg from aerial cableway and viewpoints.

Pilanesberg:

Cradle of Humankind works well en-route to or from the Pilanesberg for a multi-day Pilanesberg safari.

South Africa – Cultural:

Township day tour – Soweto Cultural

Possible to include one part of Cradle of Humankind as the Sterkfontein caves before the Lesedi Cultural Village tour . Then cover other parts after – Maropeng.

Johannesburg:

Cultural day in the city of Johannesburg

Robert-Bloom - Cradle of Humankind

Best ability to contact Ekala for a Cradle of Humankind tour: [email protected]

Then will respond within 24 hours. Actually, in most cases less. However, depending on time differences.

Additionally, Cell phones do create some problems. Due to time difference or because we may all be on tour and thus unable to answer your call at that time. Thus, email works perfectly.

Furthermore, difficult to deal with specifics on a cell phone.

South African Flag

Enjoying and respecting South Africa’s national assets.

Thus, a Cradle of Humankind tour to remember for the right reason

Sterkfontein-Caves

Private tour collection and drop off.

Then supplied as fully guided professional Cradle of Humankind tour. Additionally, covering en-route as may be possible from collection to drop off.

Maropeng entrance

Visiting actual South African historical sites accordingly steeped in significant heritage.

Robert Broom - Cradle of Humankind

Appreciation of South Africa’s multifaceted heritage.

Sterkfontein Caves entrance stairs

Thus private, professional, and reliable tailor-made Cradle of Humankind tours.

Sterkfontein Caves

Ekala’s guides are well-spoken, thus providing interesting detail and clarity while within the Cradle of Humankind.

Active engagement accordingly encouraged between guide and guest.

Stone tools

No Cradle of Humankind prices on our website as a result of unique, individual and specialised requirements for each tour we supply.

Hence, Ekala structures around the client’s individual requirements.

Thus, if time is limited:

Consequently, structuring from arrival to departure – including airport collection and drop off.

Accordingly, using all time available as a fully guided professional tour.

As a result, not simply a point-to-point mixed group drive around.

Hence, quote are based on specific requirements.

For multi-day safari tour package – Ekala Guest House

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sterkfontein caves tour

The Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves: An Archaeological Look

Maropeng is the official visitors’ center for the Cradle of Humankind. It’s an award-winning, world-class exhibition, providing history lovers and scientists alike an extraordinary display of our ancestors’ development over several million years. The Sterkfontein Caves, where many of these discoveries were made, are understandably a very popular destination. Situated on the outskirts of the Gauteng province in Africa, you’ll find them about an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Renovated in 2005, the Sterkfontein Caves site now contains a restaurant and conference facilities. Visitors can easily access the caves via modern walkways. In addition, these walkways go by excavation sites where globally acclaimed fossils originated.

The University of the Witwatersrand and its scientists own the site, and earn the credit for said discoveries. These eminent scientists are responsible for the most famous moments in the caves, including the finding of Mrs. Ples and Little Foot. These are two remarkably preserved fossils that date to 3 million years ago.

sterkfontein caves tour

This article contains all the details you need to know about the Sterkfontein Caves. If you’re interested becoming a speleologist or even an archaeologist, some of what we share here will surely excite you.

About Maropeng And Sterkfontein Caves

The Sterkfontein Caves are a collection of limestone caves on the West Rand in Gauteng, South Africa. They have been significantly important to paleoanthropologists learning about our history. They contain preserved remains or artifacts like animal and hominid fossils.

A map showing a rough location of Swartkrans Cave in South Africa.

The archaeological sites of Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Sterkfontein are in the same area. The latter two are South African National Heritage Sites and World Heritage Sites.

Continually producing an enormous amount of information about our human origins, these sites are exciting for any scientist.

The Sterkfontein Caves in particular are home to numerous wild African species, including Belonogaster petiolata—a wasp with a significant nesting presence.

The site has yielded fossils of several early hominins over the last few decades, including Australopithecus, early Homo, and Paranthropus.

These caves began to form as early as 20-million years ago, and reach depths of about 60m, where there is likely more to discover.

Evolution In The Cradle Of Humanity

A skull of a Australopithecus africanus specimen, in a museum. This was one of the most incredible findings at Sterkfontein caves.

Sterkfontein yielded the first adult specimen of Australopithecus africanus in 1936. Today, it remains one of Africa’s most prolific sources for hominid fossils.

The early hominin Australopithecus afarensis, an important genus for understanding human evolution, lived in Southern Africa during the Plio-Pleistocene age between 3 million and 2 million years ago (mya).

Africa’s earliest hominids include Australopithecus afarensis in Ethiopia and Kenya millions of years ago. Scientists believe they had been able to walk upright on two legs—like humans do today—and climb trees using their feet for support.

At Sterkfontein, we’ve found thousands of stone tools: Oldowan cores, flakes, cleavers, and various other Acheulean artifacts. The oldest stone tools in all of Southern Africa, found at this site, are approximately 2 million years old .

Wood, a fragile material, is rarely preserved in the archaeological record. However, at Sterkfontein, the conditions allowed 300 wooden fragments to survive.

The fossilized wood found at Sterkfontein suggests that around 2.6 million years ago, this area combined a tropical forest and savanna habitat.

Sterkfontein – Exhibition Guide

Sterkfontein Caves includes a museum displaying cave formations, geology, early life forms, mammals, and hominid fossils.

At the start of this tour, you will learn of three famous fossil finds: Mrs. Ples (a 3.2-million-year-old hominid skeleton), the “Taung Child” (another ancient human ancestor), and Little Foot (an almost complete foot belonging to an early Australopithecus).

The cave tour takes place every half-hour, seven days a week. Guided tours last about an hour and are suitable for all ages. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended; the cave is not wheelchair friendly due to its size.

A display of the famous Australopithecus africanus at the Sterkfontein museum. This fossil was found at the Sterkfontein caves.

The Visitor’s Centre At Maropeng

The most recent discovery at Sterkfontein Caves is Homo naledi.

The Cradle of Humankind is a cave-strewn area around 50km northwest of Johannesburg. It earned its title due to the fact that many significant hominid discoveries were made here.

Fossils were first discovered at the site in 1999 and continue to be found today. The most recent groundbreaking discovery is to the right.

What fascinates scientists about this one is that it represents the first time in all of history that human beings encountered a non-human species that deliberately disposed of its dead.

The visitor’s center at Maropeng (the meaning of ‘returning to the place of our ancestors’) has been designed to resemble a burial mound.

The modern exhibition takes an interactive approach to the history of life as we know it—from the big bang to human evolution, fire discovery, and people spread.

Visitors begin their visit with a boat ride through the ages before entering the museum. Here, interactive and educational displays complement fossils and tools found in Cradle of Humankind. The newest exhibition at Maropeng, “Almost Human,” tells how scientists discovered Homo Naledi and its fossils in 2015.

A visit to the Sterkfontein Caves, a few minutes drives from the museum (where many famous fossils were discovered), is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of human origins.

Cave tours last about 45 minutes and are not recommended for the physically unfit. There are many steps, kneelers, and places where you must crawl.

An image showing the rocky interior and stalactices inside the Sterkfontein Caves.

A Tragic Death in the Sterkfontein Caves

Back in 1984, diver Peter Verhulsel and two companions ventured into the Sterkfontein caves. They attempted to explore the lake’s depth in Milner Hall, a chamber within Sterkfontein Caves.

According to the Virtual Scientific Journal, geologists have compared karst aquifers , the geological formation that gives rise to caves, to Swiss cheese. Wherever there are holes in the surface rock through which water can flow into an underground reservoir, those depressions fill with a body of freshwater.

Verhulsel, intrigued by a previously undiscovered chamber in the caves, ducked into a side passage. It remains unclear if he left behind or snapped the guideline as his teammates explored further. Either way, Peter remained lost until weeks later, when he had already succumbed to starvation.

The tragic death led officials to ban diving in the caves and to refuse requests for an accurate measurement of the lake’s depth.

In 2005, the caves reopened. In addition to restoring them to their natural state, management installed new walkways as well. Visitors can now explore these historic wonders without hindrance or danger of falling off an uneven path.

Nonetheless, the tragic story of Peter Verhulsel reminds us to take caving (and diving especially) extremely seriously. These remote locations quickly become a tomb sometimes from a single misstep.

The Sterkfontein Caves may not immediately come to your mind when you think of the best attractions in South Africa, but they should! Come and experience 35 million years of the earth’s history at this unique site, not far from mega-attractions like Lion Park and Sun City.

You’ll come away enlightened, entertained, and maybe even make a scientific discovery of your own.

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Private Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng tour

African blue tours.

[email protected]

http://www.africanbluetours.com

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Trip Summary

On our tour, we’re going right back to our beginnings. We take you to the exceptional World Heritage Site of  The Cradle of Humankind . The superb Maropeng Visitor Centre is truly an exciting, world class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years.

sterkfontein caves tour

For those not well versed in the stumbling beginnings of the human population, this full day tour of Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves is a great chance to really see and feel the difficult first years of our species.

Our multilingual, multi-visual “history of Humankind” orientation depicts the history of South Africa, and will deepen your understanding of the complexity of our multicultural community. Recently paleoanthropologist`s “struck gold” as remains of a new hominoid species “Homo Naledi” were discovered, instantly making global news and shedding more spotlight on this already acclaimed World Heritage Site.

The fantastic country scenery will leave you in awe as we make our through the north western section of our beautiful Gaunteng Province, with fond memories and a new understanding about ourselves.

Tour Information

Special Interests: Sterkfontein Caves, Anthropology, Maropeng

Duration: 8-9 hours

Languages: English

Group Size: 1/8 (min/max)

Departures: Johanesburg, Sandton, Rosebank and surronds

Departure Time: 08:30am

Returns: Johanesburg, Sandton, Rosebank and surronds

Return Time: 5:30pm

2020 Rates:

1 adult @ R 3 400 pp 2-4 adults @ R 1 700 pp 5-8 adults @ R 1 300 pp (valid until 31/10/2020)

For larger groups, please enquire for special prices.

Rate – children under 12 years R 650 pp.  

Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng entrance fees

Lunch 

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Sterkfontein Caves

45 minute drive from O.R.Tambo International Airport.

Sterkfontein caves, comparable in palaeontological importance to Tanzania’s Olduvai gorge, is where in 1936 the first fossils of an ‘ape man’ skull – believed to be 2.6 to 3 million years old- were found. In 1947 the nearly complete skull of a woman, dubbed ‘Mrs Ples’ was found by Dr Robert Broom. Amongst the most remarkable findings to have been made by numerous world famous scientists within the Cradle of Humankind is the famous Mrs. Ples, the first complete Australopithecus skull to be discovered and more recently, “Little Foot”, a 4.17 million-year-old almost complete ape-man skeleton was also discovered in the same caves.

The first fossils at Sterkfontein caves came to light as early as 1936 and were the first adult Australopithecines or more specifically Australopithecus. Australopithecus africanus existed only in South Africa between 3.2 to 2.6 million years ago and was a very early hominid (i.e. a species that belongs in our family the Hominidae).

It was the adult ape-men fossils from Sterkfontein caves that helped prove to the world that Africa was the cradle of humankind. Sterkfontein caves has fossil deposits dating back to almost 3.5 million years ago all the way up to 1.5 million years ago, providing a wealth of information about the different hominid species that existed in this 2 million year interval. This well researched storyline forms the basis of the Sterkfontein Caves experience

The Sterkfontein Caves are owned by the University of the Witwatersrand whose scientists have been responsible for the main excavations of the World Heritage Site. Sterkfontein caves has been excavated for more than 62 years in total, but it is amazingly still yielding up its secrets. The discovery just recently of the almost complete skeleton of ‘Little Foot’ bears ample testament to the wealth of information which is still to be gained from the cave deposits at Sterkfontein caves.

Tours & Prices 2023

(NB – No scheduled times & days for all tours. Tours done on requests & bookings)

Sterkfontein Caves Tour (3 hours) – STERK01

R  1,780.00 per person sharing. R  2,180.00 single.

Kromdraai Gold Mine closed on Mondays

Kromdraai Gold Mine / Sterkfontein Caves (5 Hours) (KGMSC01)

R 1,850-00 per person sharing. R 2,600-00 single person.

Kromdraai Gold Mine / Sterkfontein Caves /  Lion Park (6 hours) – KGMSCL01

R 2,180-00 per person sharing. R 2,850-00 single.

Sterkfontein Caves / Maropeng  (6 Hours) – STERKMAR01

R 1,650-00 per person sharing R 2,650-00 single

Inclusive of tour cost: Pick-up and drop-off, guiding, entrance fees.

(Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

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Sterkfontein Cave

sterkfontein caves tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Sophie741

Sterkfontein Cave - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves

Maropeng visitor centre, for stargazing bookings.

The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an award-winning, world-class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years.

Take a journey through time, starting with the formation of the planet and moving all the way through the evolutionary processes that culminated in the world as we know it today.

See fossils, learn about how humankind was born, view stone tools that are up to one million years old, and much more. This self-guided, interactive tour allows you to take all the time you need to ponder humanity’s fascinating origin story.

Please note: Tickets can be booked online and onsite.

Maropeng Visitor Centre Exhibition guide

Restaurants.

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  5. Sterkfontein Borane Auction Day 20 April 2023

COMMENTS

  1. Sterkfontein Caves

    Home Tour experiences Sterkfontein Caves Sterkfontein Caves ⚠️2024 Update Alert!⚠️ Please be informed, Sterkfontein Caves is still closed until further notice, we're awaiting updates from the owners, and regret that we can't provide a reopening timeframe. Apologies for any inconvenience—your patience is truly appreciated.

  2. Sterkfontein Caves

    Sterkfontein Caves 71 reviews #4 of 16 things to do in Krugersdorp Caverns & Caves Write a review About Duration: 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. See options All photos (101) Top ways to experience Sterkfontein Caves and nearby attractions

  3. STERKFONTEIN CAVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ...

    The tours at the Sterk­fontein Caves, which start above ground and then take vis­i­tor Duration: 1-2 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. See options All photos (491) Top ways to experience Sterkfontein Cave Recommended Tours & Sightseeing

  4. Sterkfontein Caves

    The tours at the Sterkfontein Caves, which start above ground and then take visitors deep into the caves, an hour long guided tour of the caves take visitors on a journey deep under the earth about 60 meters with a staircase.

  5. Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves Tour

    First stop is the famous Sterkfontein Caves for a 1-hour guided tour of the underground cave system. You're taken on a fascinating journey deep under the earth to the place where the remains of some of our oldest ancestors have been found.

  6. Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves Tour

    Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves Tour 13 Reviews Johannesburg, South Africa 5 hours (approx.) Pickup offered Mobile ticket Offered in: English Includes all entrance fees: No added costs Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your central Johannesburg hotel Embark on a tour filled with fascinating history and culture

  7. Maropeng Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Cave Experience ...

    Maropeng Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Cave Experience (Caves is closed) 119 Reviews Badge of Excellence Johannesburg, South Africa 7 to 8 hours (approx.) Pickup offered Mobile ticket Offered in: English and 1 more Explore our promoted experiences Johannesburg, Gauteng

  8. Sterkfontein Caves and Lesedi Cultural Village Day Tour

    The guided day tour through the Sterkfontein Caves will be an unforgettable sightseeing experience as you wander through majestic caverns, explore archeological sites, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy the crisp clear air of an ancient cave system. The caves are only an hour's drive from Johannesburg.

  9. Sterkfontein Caves, Johannesburg, Krugersdorp

    Begin your sightseeing adventure with a tour of the Sterkfontein Exhibition Center and Caves. Follow your guide as you explore the exhibition above ground before heading deep into the caves. Learn about the fascinating history behind this archeological site and the discoveries that have been made here, some dating back more than four million years.

  10. Johannesburg Private Sterkfontein, Maropeng, Safari Park Tour ...

    Embark on a journey to the Cradle of Humankind for a profound exploration of human evolution. Discover the origin of humankind through an informative museum at Sterkfontein Caves. Move to the Maropeng Visitor Centre for an engaging portrayal of human and South African history. Finally, take a game drive through the Lion Park where you can spot lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and more. Note: the ...

  11. Cradle of Humankind tour

    A South African World Heritage Site Cradle of Humankind - Maropeng and Sterkfontein Cave Declared a World Heritage Site in December 1999. The area of Cradle of Humankind is approximately 48 000 hectares. And so housing caves of Sterkfontein, Draaimolen, Swartkrans and Wonder Caves.

  12. The Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves: An Archaeological Look

    A visit to the Sterkfontein Caves, a few minutes drives from the museum (where many famous fossils were discovered), is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of human origins. Cave tours last about 45 minutes and are not recommended for the physically unfit. There are many steps, kneelers, and places where you must crawl.

  13. Private Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng tour

    For those not well versed in the stumbling beginnings of the human population, this full day tour of Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves is a great chance to really see and feel the difficult first years of our species. Our multilingual, multi-visual "history of Humankind" orientation depicts the history of South Africa, and will deepen ...

  14. Sterkfontein Caves

    Sterkfontein caves, comparable in palaeontological importance to Tanzania's Olduvai gorge, is where in 1936 the first fossils of an 'ape man' skull - believed to be 2.6 to 3 million years old- were found. ... Sterkfontein Caves Tour (3 hours) - STERK01. R 1,780.00 per person sharing. R 2,180.00 single. Full Day.

  15. Maropeng, Cradle Of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves Trip From Johannesburg

    The pricing and booking details for this trip to Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves can be easily accessed and confirmed through the Viator website. The cost of the trip starts from $152.94, but the price varies depending on the group size. Viator offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring that you get the best deal for your group.

  16. Sterkfontein Cave

    Good evening, I would like to find out as to how much is needed for a number of six people to come visit or tour the sterkfontein caves? Joel K. Vancouver, Canada 3,576 contributions. The formal tour and the only way to see the caves is a a bit over one hour. Read all replies. bonnierdh.

  17. Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves Tour 2024

    Our tour continues to the Sterkfontein Caves (subject to favorable weather conditions), one of the richest and most productive Palaeo-anthropological sites in the world that forms part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Amongst the most remarkable findings to have been made by numerous world famous scientists within the Cradle of ...

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    173 Want to Visit? 248 Sterkfontein Caves Cradle of Humankind on Flickr (Creative Commons) Situated in an area of South Africa known as the "Cradle of Humankind," the Sterkfontein Caves have...

  19. Maropeng Visitor Centre

    Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves +27 (0)14 577 9000 Maropeng Hotel +27 (0)14 577 9100 Email [email protected]. ... and much more. This self-guided, interactive tour allows you to take all the time you need to ponder humanity's fascinating origin story. Please note: Tickets can be booked online and onsite. Maropeng Visitor Centre Exhibition ...