The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is a remarkable 47 000 hectare destination with a rich and fascinating history told to us through the ancient fossils that have been found here. It also has over 400 attractions, including restaurants, art and craft outlets, lodges, wildlife facilities, places of historical interest and spaces for young and old just to have fun.
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site offers a wonderful experience for national and international tourists, a rich source of information for scientists and researchers, opportunities for economic development and job creation, and a chance for all to be part of humanity’s history.
Visit the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves and the award-winning Visitor Interpretation Centre at Maropeng. Then discover the attractions of the rest of this incredible destination. Make sure you get a map because there is so much to do that you’ll have to come back again and again.
Come to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, the home of our ancestors, and discover ancient history, learn about human beginnings, take a journey of discovery and adventure, enjoy yourself.
Some interesting facts of the Cradle of Humankind
- More than 500 hominin fossils, thousands of animal fossils, over 300 fragments of fossil wood, and over 9,000 stone tools have been discovered in caves in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and more are being found all the time.
- Sterkfontein is identified as having the oldest stone tools in Southern Africa. These are known as Oldowan artefacts and are estimated to be between 1.7 – 2 million years old.
- Comparable artefacts found at Swartkrans and Kromdraai date back to around 1.8 million years.
- There are more than 200 caves in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Of these, 13 have been excavated, namely: Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, Bolt’s Farm, Wonder Cave, Minnaar’s, Cooper’s B, Plover’s Lake, Drimolen, Gladysvale, Haasgat, Gondolin and Motsetse.