Cradle of Humankind Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Cradle of Humankind. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Cradle of Humankind Tour: Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng Experience

• Cradle of Humankind Tour With Lion Safari From Johannesburg

• Lesedi Cultural Village & Cradle of Humankind Guided Tour

• Full-Day Cradle of Humankind and Caves Private

• Cradle of Humankind & Maropeng/Sterkfontein Caves Tour

The Cradle of Humankind includes both Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves. Maropeng tickets cost 150 rand for adults or 125 rand for children aged 7–11; Children under 7 go free. Cave tours cost 150 rand for adults, 125 rand for children aged 6–18, and 100 rand for pensioners aged 60-plus. Children under 6 go free.

Yes, the Cradle of Humankind is absolutely worth visiting—and not just because it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of the most important sites in the story of human evolution, telling a tale that stretches back millions of years. The Sterkfontein Caves are beautiful in their own right, and have yielded fossils from more than 3.5 million years ago. While it's easy to visit the sites independently, joining a tour doesn't just save you the angst of driving in South Africa: It can yield insights into the country as a whole and tips for the rest of your stay.

Per one customer who booked the Cradle of Humankind Tour: Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng Experience, "I had a fantastic experience on the Cradle of Humankind - Sterkfontein Caves... thanks to the incredible driver and guide, Michael. He was punctual, friendly, and approachable, with an impressive depth of knowledge about the country's history, which he shared throughout the journey. Michael kept me engaged with interesting stories, answered all my questions with enthusiasm, and added great humour along the way. I was also a solo traveller and I felt very safe and well-looked after the whole tour. Michael offered helpful tips on safety and local customs like tipping and he went above and beyond to ensure I [was] comfortable, well-informed, and had plenty of great photos to remember the day!"

The Cradle of Humankind is a complex of around 300 limestone caves spanning an area of 181 square miles (469 square kilometers), which has produced numerous human and animal fossils. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most important archeological and anthropological sites in the world.

The Cradle of Humankind lies around 21 miles (34 kilometers) west of Johannesburg, 37 miles (60 kilometers) from O.R. Tambo International Airport, and 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Lanseria International Airport. There is limited public transportation, so it’s best to self-drive, take a taxi, or join a guided tour with transport included.

Yes, there are separate entrance fees to visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Sterkfontein Caves at the Cradle of Humankind. Tickets must be booked online.

Yes, guided tours are available at the Cradle of Humankind. Tours of the Maropeng Visitor Centre are available every 30 minutes during opening hours and last for around two hours. Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the tour time begins.

Yes, the Maropeng Visitor Centre is wheelchair accessible, as well as all restaurants within the Cradle of Humankind site and the Maropeng Hotel.

Yes, there are three restaurants at the Cradle of Humankind site: the casual Market Place restaurant, which offers snacks and light meals; the more formal Tumulus restaurant, boasting views over the Cradle of Humankind; and a restaurant located inside the Maropeng Hotel.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Cradle of Humankind. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Johannesburg:

• Soweto

• Apartheid Museum

• Sun City

• Mandela House

• Constitution Hill

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Johannesburg.