Cradle of Humankind: Immersive Exploration of Ancient Fossils and Wildlife in Johannesburg

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
4.9
(55 Ratings)
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1 star
Kerry_m
Aug 30, 2024
Highlight of my Johannesburg stay - The close-up experience with the lions, cheetahs & rhinos at the park was a particular highlight. I also found the exhibitions at the Cradle of Humankind to be extremely interesting & informative.
Review provided by Viator
Christine
Aug 30, 2024
Choose Shane for your JoBurg tours! - I cannot recommend one of Shane’s tours enough! We originally booked this tour because we wanted to see the Cradle of Humankind, but the Rhino and Lion park quickly became our favorite part because of Shane’s enthusiasm and knowledge about the animals. Shane was flexible with the meeting time and the drop off (and gave us a fabulous lunch recommendation) and we really enjoyed our time together. If we had more time in Johannesburg, we would book another tour with Shane.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sutinderpsinghb
Jul 18, 2024
Wild life up-close and human history near Johannesburg! - We were picked up on time from our apartment for this private tour. Our guide Shane was knowledgeable and pleasantly communicative throughout the tour. Moreover being an animal lover himself, he very passionately showed us around the wildlife park. The second part of the tour highlighted human evolution. This was a day very well spent and we got good insight into local practices and culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellenmi9916mw
Jun 24, 2024
Definitely to do especially if you don't have time for multiple days of safari. - Maropeng was interesting but seemed more geared toward kids than adults. The lion park was amazing. I got some great photos and videos. Seeing the white lions up close was scary and beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fabianbc
Jun 23, 2024
Great experience - Shane is a great guy, his tour was really nice. I recommend this tour for couples and families. Thank you Shane for a nice day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tmcdonald1
Jun 6, 2024
Great day trip! - Shane was fantastic. We had an extra day in Johannesburg before going to Kruger National Park so we booked this tour. Very informative and gave us a great taster of Johannesburg. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N106lwlindab
Jun 2, 2024
Amazing day! - Shane is a people person! We got along great immediately. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge regarding South Africa, the geology, and the local wildlife. We spent as much time at the museum as we wanted. While at the Lion Park, Shane ensured we saw all of the animals & got us amazing, up -close views. I can’t wait to share my videos & pics with my friends & family. The tour was personalized just for my husband & myself & we couldn’t have been happier. I take various tours all over the world & this is by far one of the best! It’s obvious when someone loves what they do, don’t hesitate, choose Shane!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F2687oystefank
May 19, 2024
Super great tour! - I had a really nice tour! Our guide Shane was very nice and gave us lots of insider information and always made sure that we had the perfect experience possible. Totally recommend the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M8462apchristyh
May 15, 2024
Amazing Experience! - Shane is AMAZING! He's very informative, funny and will show you what you want to see and MORE! He also looks after and will take great care of his Clients! We will book with Shane every time! Thank You Shane!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G7364fucharliea
Jul 31, 2024
Great day tour - Thanks Shane for a great day, the game veiwing in the park was exceptional. Your knowledge and guiding helped to complete a great day out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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