Claidheamhmor, public domain / Wikimedia CommonsBest time to visit
Year-round
An hour from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind protects a cluster of limestone caves — including Sterkfontein — that have produced an extraordinary share of the world's early hominin fossils, among them "Mrs Ples" and "Little Foot".
The Maropeng visitor centre tells the story of human origins through an immersive underground boat ride and exhibitions, while guided cave tours take visitors to the dig sites themselves.
Sources
Verified · 2 sources
- Tourism boardCradle of HumankindSouth African Tourism
- UNESCOFossil Hominid Sites of South AfricaUNESCO World Heritage Centre
Facts last reviewed Aug 24, 2026.
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