Johannesburg: Human Origins day tour and Malapa Museum

Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour: Fossil Sites and Caves Exploration

Explore the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site near Johannesburg with a specialist guide, ideal for history and science enthusiasts.

Description

This tour includes visits to the Malapa site, Gladysvale Cave, and the Bonecatcher sinkhole, where you will learn about hominin fossils and their preservation. See the fossil preparation area where bones are carefully extracted from rock.

Discover the Bonecatcher, a sinkhole in its early formation, where fossils will eventually be created from trapped organic matter. Travel through treed valleys to Gladysvale Cave, an active dig site with many hominin discoveries. See an old lime kiln originally used in limestone mining for gold extraction and cement production.

At Gladysvale, observe hominin fossils still embedded in the rock, an uncommon experience. Walk to the award-winning “beetle” viewing platform at Malapa to get an overhead view of the excavation, where excavators may be actively working.

Visit the Malapa Museum to learn in detail about fossil formation, dig sites, and the Australopithecus sediba fossils. The optional Sterkfontein caves tour is strenuous and lasts one hour, including a visit to the surface museum and a walk around the site where Mrs Ples was found in 1947.

The tour concludes with a visit to Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind.

Note: Book at least 4 days in advance to secure a specialist guide.

Highlights

• Explore Malapa and Gladysvale fossil sites
• Visit the fossil preparation area
• Learn why fossils are well preserved here
• Go on an underground tour of Sterkfontein Caves (optional)
• Visit Maropeng visitor centre

Includes

• Guided tour of nature reserve and dig sites with specialist guide
• Visit to fossil preparation area
• Viewing of the Bonecatcher sinkhole
• Exploration of Gladysvale cave and active dig sites
• Opportunity to see hominin fossils in rock
• Walk up to “beetle” viewing platform at Malapa
• View active Malapa excavation site
• Visit Malapa Museum
• Sterkfontein caves tour, museum, and walk (optional)
• Visit Maropeng visitor centre

Excludes

• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses

Important Information

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
• Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
• Photography is allowed; video recording is not permitted
• Prepare for moderate walking on rough ground
• Sterkfontein cave tour requires crouching through narrow passages and climbing stairs

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

For best experience, book at least 4 days in advance, wear suitable footwear, and bring sun protection.