Centurion Trip Overview
This tour is private with just you and your guide in the vehicle. To the west of Johannesburg where the Highveld starts its descent to the Bushveld from the lies, an area of undulating hills referred to as the Cradle of Humankind. It gains its name from the huge amounts of fossil remains of early man and our more apelike ancestors discovered here in the dolomite caves just beneath its surface. The geology of the region has made it one of the richest fossil-bearing regions in the world not just of early ape-men but many other extinct creatures. Sterkfontein Caves are where the original discoveries were made and it is here we make first stop. The modern interpretive centre has replicas of the fossils and an in-depth description of their relevance to mankind’s family tree as well as fossils of other species. You are taken down into the caves by the resident cave guide. There is some low bending, but for the main part the caves are spacious but a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 hours
Starts: Centurion, South Africa
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
Explore Centurion Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
This tour is private with just you and your guide in the vehicle. To the west of Johannesburg where the Highveld starts its descent to the Bushveld from the lies, an area of undulating hills referred to as the Cradle of Humankind. It gains its name from the huge amounts of fossil remains of early man and our more apelike ancestors discovered here in the dolomite caves just beneath its surface. The geology of the region has made it one of the richest fossil-bearing regions in the world not just of early ape-men but many other extinct creatures. Sterkfontein Caves are where the original discoveries were made and it is here we make first stop. The modern interpretive centre has replicas of the fossils and an in-depth description of their relevance to mankind’s family tree as well as fossils of other species. You are taken down into the caves by the resident cave guide. There is some low bending, but for the main part the caves are spacious but a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Cradle of Humankind, Krugersdorp North, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site South Africa
To the west of Johannesburg where the Highveld starts its descent to the “Bushveld” from the gold bearing ridge of the Witwatersrand lies an area of undulating hills referred to as the Cradle of Humankind. It gains its name from the huge amounts of fossil remains of early man and our more apelike ancestors discovered here in the dolomite caves just beneath its surface. The unusual geology of the region has made it one of the richest fossil bearing regions in the world not just of early apemen but many other extinct creatures.
Duration: 8 hours
Stop At: Sterkfontein Caves Rd. Kromdraai Road Off the R563, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site South Africa
The most famous of the caves where the first fossil discoveries were made and continue to be made are at a place called Sterkfontein. It is a must when in this region to visit these caves. There are guided tours down in to the caves every half an hour. At the start of the walkway leading to the caves there is a reception area with a small restaurant and very informative interpretive centre. Built to give an open view of the “veld” it is a very pleasant place to enjoy a coffee and small snack before continuing on your exploration of the region.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Maropeng Visitor Centre, R400 off R563 Hekpoort Road Sterkfontein, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site 1911 South Africa
To attract more visitors to the area another site has been created at Maropeng to the north. At Maropeng inside a great hollow mound is a presentation on the history and prehistory of our species. It is very popular with the busloads of school children that visit the area. But the interactive displays fascinate both old and young. And to add to it’s attraction the latest fossil discoveries of what purported to be a new species of early ancestor of mankind called Homo Naledi are on display. From the top of the mound are wonderful views of the countryside as far as the Magaliesberg Mountains. There is a restaurant for light meals, curio shop and footpaths have been laid to explore the “highveld” grasslands surrounding the venue.
Duration: 2 hours
