Sterkfontein Caves

Description

The Sterkfontein Caves is situated in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng. Visitors can enjoy exploring the caves along modern walkways past the excavation site where some of the oldest evidence of the origins of humankind has been discovered. There is also a coffee shop and conferencing facilities available.

A visit to Sterkfontein Caves starts with a fascinating museum display that covers a range of topics from cave formations and geology, to early life forms, mammals, and hominid fossils. Here you will be introduced to Mrs Ples, the Taung Child, and Little Foot before heading underground to explore the caves, where scientists have discovered many hominid and animal fossils that date back more than 4-million years. Guided tours of the caves take place every 30 minutes, 7 days a week.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes when going to the caves and leave your handbags and other luggage behind. There are a number of stairs and tight spots to negotiate in the caves, so the tour is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophia, acute asthma, walking, or chest problems. The caves are not wheelchair friendly.

A visit to the nearby visitor’s centre at Maropeng is the perfect way to round off a tour of Sterkfontein Caves.