Cradle of Humankind

Museum • Johannesburg, Gauteng

The Cradle of Humankind, located in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, is a captivating museum that offers a remarkable journey through the history of humanity. This prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of knowledge and exploration, providing visitors with a glimpse into the origins of the human species.

As a renowned tourist attraction, the Cradle of Humankind beckons curious minds to delve into the exhibits and displays that showcase the evolution of human life over millions of years. From interactive installations to authentic artifacts and fossil replicas, this museum paints a vivid picture of our ancestors' way of life and the progression of civilization.

Visitors can marvel at the fossilized remains of early hominids, such as "Mrs. Ples" and "Little Foot," which have significantly contributed to our understanding of human evolution. The museum also features engaging multimedia presentations and educational programs that bring the ancient past to life in a modern context.

Stepping into the Cradle of Humankind is like taking a journey through time, allowing guests to connect with our shared heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible history of our species. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a science buff, or simply a curious traveler, this museum offers a truly enriching and enlightening experience that will leave you in awe of the human story.

Tours for Cradle of Humankind

Exploring the area? Book a tour to fully experience everything Cradle of Humankind has to offer. A guided tour will provide you with fascinating insights and hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

Cradle of Human Kind & Lion & Rhino Park Tour Full day Tour Private in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$192

5.0 (7)

Cradle of Human Kind & Lion & Rhino Park Tour Full day Tour Private

Johannesburg, Gauteng

Take a deep dive into the history of humankind, then learn about lions' biology and behavior on this multi-stop tour from Johannesburg including the Cradle of Humankind and the Lion Park. Logistically, this multi-stop day tour would be a hassle to arrange on your own, but this organized adventure takes care of all the details in advance. Listen to engaging commentary from your guide on the history of both humans and animals in South Africa as you visit both sites, letting you get the most out of your experience.

Lesedi Cultural Village & Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$178

5.0 (2)

Lesedi Cultural Village & Cradle of Humankind

Johannesburg, Gauteng

Afrika's ancient history and cultural heritage as you tour , two popular Gauteng attractions in a day—the Cradle of Humankind & Lesedi Cultural Village learn about the heritage of amaZulu, amaXhosa,baPedi, Basotho, and amaNdebele on a tour of the Lesedi Cultural Village.
*Gauteng's top attractions: Cradle of Humankind and Lesedi Cultural Village
* Explore the fascinating Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein
Caves
* Volunteer in dancing
* Indulge in cuisine that represents the diversity of tastes and cultures that comprise delicious African cuisine

Cradle of Humankind Tour in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$119

5.0 (1)

Cradle of Humankind Tour

Johannesburg, Gauteng

It is a world heritage site and it is considered to be the site where everything began. This is the area considered to the origin of human being. The hominid fossils, early human being evidence and other tools make it one of the most visited sites in the World. Do not miss the opportunity to learn about our Ancestral remains. Guests would learn about the evolution of Apes and Hominid to the current human being. Guests would have an unforgettable experience of how man evolved million years ago.

Lesedi Cultural Village and Cradle of Humankind Tour in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$96

5.0 (42)

Lesedi Cultural Village and Cradle of Humankind Tour

Johannesburg, Gauteng

The Lesedi Cultural Village tour gives you a very good history and culture experience of the African people in South Africa. Visiting there homesteads and experiencing their dance, music and food is a fantastic adventure.
The Dancing and singing is regarded as the best African entertainment in the area.
For those who want to include a South African meal in the experience it's available after the tour.
You can also purchase traditional goods and clothing made by the locals at reasonable prices.

Meet “Mrs Ples”, the “Taung Child” and “Little Foot” at Maropeng museum.
The Cradle of Humankind museum at Maropeng will showcase historical information on Fossils and the development of humans and our ancestors over the past million years.
An educational tour into our past over millions of years .

Cradle of Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$96

5.0 (60)

Cradle of Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park

Johannesburg, Gauteng

The Cradle of Humankind has become one of Johannesburg biggest attractions. Its unbelievable that the oldest human fossil in the world and fossils of 2 million years old are still been found to this day.
We have put together a comprehensive day at the Cradle of Humankind that includes a visit to the Lion And Rhino Park. A wild game drive is always a good way to start or end an African experience. The tour is fun and relaxed. Everything can be adjusted to suit your requirements and schedule.
Cradle of humankind has more Australopithecus fossils than anywhere else in the world," said geologist and geophysicist Darryl Granger of Purdue University.
Now, new dating techniques suggest that the remains date back nearly 4 million years – making them even older than the famous Australopithecus afarensis individual Dinkinesh, nicknamed Lucy.

Multiple ancient hominin remains from caves in South Africa may be much, much older than previous estimates suggested.

Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$186

5.0 (59)

Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg

Johannesburg, Gauteng

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Lion and Safari Park and the Cradle of Humankind. Begin your adventure with a thrilling Two-hour open-vehicle safari through the lion enclosure, witnessing these majestic creatures roam freely in their natural habitat.
As you explore the Five Dome Shopping Center, you will have the opportunity to browse unique and authentic African art and local handicrafts, making for the perfect souvenir to take home and cherish.
Take a journey back in time and discover the fascinating history of the Cradle of Humankind, where some of the world's earliest hominid fossils were discovered.
What sets this tour apart are the interactive exhibits at Maropeng and the open-air safari through the lion enclosure, providing a sensory feast and a truly unparalleled experience of South Africa's stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Full-Day Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$212

4.7 (6)

Full-Day Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria

Johannesburg, Gauteng

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 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 but it is now closed due to flooding and so we will first visit the custodians of the discoveries at the University of the Witwatersrand Department of Paleoanthropology at the wonderfully informative Origins Centre there. Then from here to the area of The Cradle and there visit the Maropeng Mound and/or the Wonder Caves as time allows.

Cradle of Humankind and Lion and Safari Park Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria in Johannesburg, Gauteng

$164

4.7 (6)

Cradle of Humankind and Lion and Safari Park Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria

Johannesburg, Gauteng

Travel the footstep that will take you back in time by visiting the UNESCO site, The Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind tour will take to the Strekfontien Cave tour for a cave tour and also visit the Maropeng visitor center and also the Lion and Safari Park.

Tour Highlights

1. Close encounter with wildlife

2. Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria to the Cradle of Humankind, including Lion and Safari Park, Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng

3. Information about the evolution

4. Explore the Strekfontien Caves

Interesting Places Nearby

Planning the perfect vacation? There are a ton of great places to explore. Checkout out these exciting locations and places near Cradle of Humankind.

Nature, Parks, & Gardens

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

Johannesburg, Gauteng