Cradle of Humankind Tours and Tickets

Q: What is the Cradle of Humankind?

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.

Q: How do I get to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg?

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.

Q: Is there an entrance fee to visit the Cradle of Humankind?

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.

Q: Are there guided tours available at the Cradle of Humankind?

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.

Q: Is the Cradle of Humankind wheelchair accessible?

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

Q: Are there any dining or refreshment options available near the Cradle of Humankind sites?

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.

17 results

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Cradle of Humankind Tour:Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng Experience

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(126)

from $144

Price varies by group size

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Full-Day Cradle of Human Kind and caves private

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(14)

from $147

Cradle of Humankind Sterkfontein Caves and Soweto Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $135

Price varies by group size

Cradle of Humankind/sterkfontein caves & Apartheid Museum Tour

Apartheid Museum: Take a Long Walk to Freedom Experience: This isn't just a visit; it's an immersive, chronological journey through apartheid. Your entry card assigns a racial classification, setting the tone. Key Focus: Follow the literal and metaphorical Long Walk to Freedom exhibit path. Understand the brutality of the system, resistance movements, pivotal figures (Mandela, Sisulu, Biko), and the arduous transition to democracy. Impact: Prepare for powerful multimedia, personal testimonies, artifacts (like Mandela's prison cell replica), and confronting displays on segregation laws, violence, and resilience. It's essential context for modern South Africa. Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site: Sterkfontein Caves: Connect with the Fossils Descend: Walk deep into the cool, ancient limestone caves where iconic fossils like Mrs. Ples & Little Foot" were found.

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Cradle of Humankind/sterkfontein caves & Apartheid Museum Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $144

Price varies by group size

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

Immerse yourself in the history of human life during this tour of the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Learn how the region's geology has made it a hotbed for fossil remains of human and ape ancestors, as well as many extinct creatures. Other stops include Sterkfontein, Maropeng, Hartebeespoort Dam, and the Chameleon craft village. All entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip hotel transportation included.

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

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(8)

from $230

Price varies by group size

Lesedi Cultural Village & cradle of Humankind Guided Tour

Enrich your visit to South Africa on this small-group tour focused on local culture, history, and diversity. Combine a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village—where five of South Africa's major ethnic groups are represented through performance and food—with a guided visit to the Cradle of Humankind, home to some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered, and the Sterkfontein Caves where they were found.

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Lesedi Cultural Village & cradle of Humankind Guided Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(42)

from $126

Price varies by group size

Cradle of Humankind Tour Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng

Discover the origins of humanity on a 5 hour tour to the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind. Begin at the interactive Maropeng Visitor Centre, where fascinating exhibits bring human evolution to life. Continue your journey to the Sterkfontein Caves, home to famous fossils like Mrs. Ples and Little Foot, guided by experts who share insights into Africa's rich history. This tour is ideal for history buffs and families alike, featuring comfortable hotel pickup and scenic views of the Magaliesberg. Conclude with optional lunch at Maropeng’s Tumulus restaurant or nearby café.

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Cradle of Humankind Tour Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $154

Price varies by group size

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.

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Cradle of Humankind Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $169

Price varies by group size

Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Museum Half Day Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

3.0

(1)

from $129

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

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.

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

5 hours 50 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(10)

from $246

Likely to Sell Out

Lesedi Cultural Village & Cradle of Humankind

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 or Sterkfontein Caves * Volunteer in dancing * Indulge in cuisine that represents the diversity of tastes and cultures that comprise delicious African cuisine

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Lesedi Cultural Village & Cradle of Humankind

1 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

3.0

(2)

from $168

Price varies by group size

Lesedi Cultural Village Tour from Johannesburg

Explore South Africa’s vibrant cultural heritage at Lesedi Cultural Village, located near Johannesburg. This guided tour offers an engaging look into the traditions, music, and daily life of various ethnic groups. Witness captivating tribal performances, stroll through authentic homesteads, and deepen your understanding of the diverse cultures of the nation—all within a few hours. - Discover the celebrated Lesedi Cultural Village, a living museum of South Africa's cultural diversity. - Enjoy traditional tribal dances that showcase rhythm, energy, and storytelling. - Tour recreated homesteads representing Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele cultures. - Benefit from expert insights provided by knowledgeable local guides, with convenient hotel transfers included.

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Lesedi Cultural Village Tour from Johannesburg

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $123

Cradle of humankind and lesedi cultural village tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(5)

from $181

Price varies by group size

Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg

Combine two exciting activities into one day trip when you book this tour from Johannesburg. Start off with an open-vehicle safari in the Lion and Safari Park. Then, go back in time to explore the history of the Cradle of Humankind, where archaeologists have discovered some of the earliest hominid fossils were discovered. Explore the Sterkfontein Caves on an underground tour to see unique rock formations and learn about human evolution.

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Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(71)

from $230

Price varies by group size

Cradle of Humankind Lion Park and Lesedi Cultural Village

Discover South Africa’s history, culture, and wildlife on this private full-day ride from Johannesburg. With hotel pickup and dropoff, you’ll travel in comfort while enjoying the flexibility of a fully customizable itinerary with your own professional, English-speaking driver. Begin at the Cradle of Humankind, where fossils and interactive exhibits reveal the story of human origins. Continue to Lesedi Cultural Village, where live performances, traditional homesteads, and storytelling showcase South Africa’s diverse tribal heritage. End the day at the Lion & Safari Park, where lions, giraffes, and antelope bring the thrill of the wild to life just outside the city.

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Cradle of Humankind Lion Park and Lesedi Cultural Village

8 hoursFree Cancellation

2.0

(1)

from $185

Price varies by group size

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

Visit two totally different but impressive sites on this combination tour. First, go on a mini-safari at Lion & Safari Park, where you can see lions, giraffes, cheetahs, ostrich, crocodiles, and other African animals. Take a game drive through the park, watch the animals being fed, or pick up a souvenir from the gift shop. Then visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore its cave system and history as the origin of modern man.

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

1 dayFree Cancellation

4.1

(7)

from $179

Price varies by group size

Lesedi African Village Vibrant Cultural Experience

Lesedi Cultural Village is an excellent window on the traditional African way of life in South Africa. The young staff will entertain and inform you in a light-hearted but skilled manner about cultural traditions, places of abode, marital arrangements, languages, dance, music and food of our various ethnic groups. Their explanations will surprise, and inform but also amuse you. Much of what they describe and enact, is passing away and so it is important to see these thing before they are lost to living memory. But the vibrant music, singing and dance will live on. The vibrancy of the performances will convince you of this

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Lesedi African Village Vibrant Cultural Experience

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $264

Price varies by group size

What are people saying about Cradle of Humankind

Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg

Angela_H, Apr 2024

Great tour for small group

The Lion Safari park is a combination of wild and domesticated animals, so it was better for viewing animals and seeing them up close. I appreciated the drivers efforts to get the truck up close! The Cradle of Humankind museum was fascinating and informative-I thoroughly enjoyed the displays. Jason, the tour operator, was very organized and punctual. He also shared a lot of information about life in SA for him and his family.

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

Lynne_P, Sep 2025

Excellent, interesting,...

Excellent, interesting, and knowledgeable guide...learned a lot...cradle is fascinating...animal park was excellent...don't miss tour

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

Kerry_M, Aug 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.

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

Fabio_M, Jul 2025

Great mix of history and wildlife!

Shane was an amazing guide during our tour - always ready to answer our questions and very knowledgeable of the region. This tour is a great mix of history and science and nature and wildlife - packed up in ~6 hours from when you depart to your return. We were able to see lots of animals in the reserve and had a great trip to the Sterkfontein caves where we learned more about the history of humankind.

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

JASON_B, May 2024

Fantastic guide and day trip to Maropeng and Witswatersand University Life Sciences Museum.

Very pleased with our trip and having Jacques as our guide. A must do trip when in Johannesburg or Pretoria. Saw and learned so much about the origins of humanity, geology and history of the region. When we arrived at Maropeng, the staff welcomed us home to where the human species originated. Jacques was an exceptional guide! He was very patient in answering our many questions and took time to comment on the history and sights along our route. He could easily converse on numerous topics related to our trip an South Africa. We appreciated his flexibility to ensure we got everything we wanted out of our trip.

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

Justin_A, Oct 2023

Amazing Experience

This is an amazing day trip for anyone visiting the Johannesburg/Pretoria area. Shane and Shan are amazing and informative hosts that allowed me to make the most out of this trip. The rhino and lion park is a great way to see many of the animals that can be difficult to spot on a traditional safari. The Cradle of Humankind is a must for anyone interested in human history or archaeology and South Africa’s contributions to our understanding of evolutionary biology.