Cradle of Humankind: Immersive Exploration of Ancient Fossils and Wildlife in Johannesburg
5.0
47 Ratings
The Cradle of Humankind
Immerse yourself in the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg and explore ancient fossils dating back nearly 4 million years. Join us for a comprehensive day tour that includes a visit to the Lion and Rhino Park for a thrilling wildlife experience.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Cradle of Humankind - South Africa has yielded fossils of some of the earliest known dinosaurs, dating back at least 200-million years.

Fossils of our distant mammal-like ancestors, which lived more than 200-million years ago, have also been found in South Africa.

Africa is the birthplace of humankind. This is where our collective umbilical cord lies buried.

Hominids

  • the ancestors of modern humans
  • first emerged about seven million years ago, in Africa.

Many significant fossil finds have been made in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, including the famous fossils
Mrs Ples and Little Foot.

The first stone tools were made and used in Africa, at least 2.6-million years ago.
The Cradle of Humankind is a paleoanthropological site and is located about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Gauteng province. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the site is home to the largest concentration of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world.
Entrance Fee R 100

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • On-board WiFi
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Entrance into Maropeng R 100
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Fee to Rhino and Lion Park R 250
  • Sterkfontein Caves R 100
Additional Information

The Cradle of Humankind has emerged as one of the standout tourist destinations in Johannesburg. It’s remarkable how fossils, some up to 2 million years old and the earliest known human remains, are still being unearthed today.
In our extensive day-long trip at the Cradle of Humankind, we include a visit to the Lion And Rhino Park. A thrilling wildlife safari is an excellent way to commence or conclude your African journey. The tour is engaging, laid-back, and can be customized to your preferences and timetable.
Speaking on the abundance of Australopithecus fossils, Darryl Granger, geologist and geophysicist from Purdue University, stated that the Cradle of Humankind boasts the most.
Recently, modern dating methods have led to the belief that these fossils could date back nearly 4 million years, potentially predating the renowned Australopithecus afarensis specimen known colloquially as Lucy.

Several ancient hominin remains discovered in South African caves could be significantly older than previously thought.

Location
The Cradle of Humankind
Krugersdorp North
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(47 Ratings)
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Hga2024
Mar 26, 2024
Nature's power! - Had the most amazing time! Shane is so knowledgeable and his love for the animals and the land is profound! And the aninals know it! Brearhtaking and humbling experience all at once, being so close to these powerful, beautiful animals. Thank you Shane, we will remember this day for a long long time! Gillian & Heleni, UK
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ajmom
Mar 25, 2024
Amazing Day! - We absolutely loved Shane. We had a perfect day with him. He is super knowledgeable and has a fun personality. The Lion Park was awesome and Shane knew the folks that worked there and the spots the animals often were. We highly recommend this tour, we wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Review provided by Viator
Pattyn609
Mar 7, 2024
Marvelous Day - We loved the Tour! We actually were surprised in how many things we got to see, Shane is the kindness and most friendly tour guide we ever had! that Definetely we’ll reach him out once we come back to Joburg! Really recommended :)
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Trip34599350416
Feb 18, 2024
An exceptional game drive experience - "The tour was fantastic! Shane, our guide, was really friendly and knew so much about the animals we saw. It made the experience extra special and enjoyable."
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793stefanias
Feb 17, 2024
Wild nature at your fingertips - The tour was well thought out and well executed. The museum is interesting but it should be maintained a little, there are some sections that are not perfectly functional, but overall it gives a nice idea of human evolution and more... the best are the animals, it is incredible to see them so close up and thanks to the precious narration by Shane I was able to get a lot of useful information and some unrepeatable photographic shots. Good humor is at home with Shane, I had a fun and exciting day!
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Relax810008
Feb 13, 2024
An amazing tour - We had a great trip with Shane. He first took us to the Cradle of Humankind and then to the Rhino and Lion Park. Sadly we did not see any rhinos, but the lions and wild dogs were spectacular and Shane made great efforts to get us the best views as he knows the park and it's routine very well! Afterwards, he kindly dropped us off at JNB for our flight to CPT. It was an amazing experience and Shane's knowledge and experience was very beneficial. Many thanks Shane.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Abdullahshwan
Feb 4, 2024
Amazing tour - It was an amazing tour, and the guide, Shane, was friendly and gave us a lot of information. The tour started by visiting the cradle of humankind museum, then visiting the Rhino and Lion reserve. I enjoyed a lot. Much of love to this beautiful country (South Africa) from Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Erbil
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J4554aeannp
Jan 28, 2024
Some days you are lucky and today was one of those days - Had the most amazing day with Shane .. thoroughly recommend .. will use Shane again … His knowledge helped us to capture incredible pictures .. no zoom needed for my lion picture …
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Darlene_b
Dec 29, 2023
Tour - Seeing the animals upfront in their habitat. Rosming, walking it was experience. I also enjoy going to the Cradle House of human mankid.
Review provided by Viator
Supers645
Dec 29, 2023
Amazing day in Johannesburg! - Shawn was amazing making sure my short time in Johannesburg allowed me to see both the animal reserve and the cradle of humankind museum. My time in South Africa will be a highlight of all my travels.
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May 2024
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