Cradle of Humankind Tour: Explore Hominid History and Experience Lion Safari in Johannesburg
4.9
55 Ratings
Johannesburg
Embark on a thrilling Cradle of Humankind tour in Johannesburg. Explore the history of hominids and enjoy a lion safari, immersing yourself in South Africa's natural beauty.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Johannesburg - Your guide will pick you up from your hotel located in Johannesburg, Sandton, or Rosebank, and ensure your safe transportation to the Lion and Safari Park, Sterkfontein Caves, and Maropeng. Once you’ve visited all these incredible destinations, your guide will safely return you to your hotel.
What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • All entrance fees covered
  • Lunch provided
  • Professional driver/guide at your service
  • Comfortable air-conditioned transport from your hotel
What's Not Included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Other souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Delve into the fascinating past of Lion and Safari Park and the Cradle of Humankind. Start your expedition with an exhilarating two-hour journey in an open vehicle through the lion enclosure, observing these imposing creatures in their natural environment.
As you traverse the Five Dome Shopping Center, seize the opportunity to explore distinctive and genuine African artistry and local crafts—perfect mementos for you to keep and treasure.
Travel through the annals of time and unravel the interesting history of the Cradle of Humankind, home to some of the earliest hominid fossils.
What makes this tour distinct are the hands-on exhibits at Maropeng and the open-sky safari through the lion enclosure, creating an immersive experience and offering a rare glimpse into South Africa’s incredible natural landscapes and abundant wildlife.

  • Not recommended for participants with back problems or people who suffer from claustrophobia.
Location
Johannesburg
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(55 Ratings)
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Angela_h
Apr 3, 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.
Review provided by Viator
S5762fdangieg
Mar 27, 2024
Highly recommend! - What a great experience! Jason made our tour super easy and enjoyable. He was a wealth of information. We would highly recommend him and this tour to JoBurg visitors!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angie_g
Mar 17, 2024
Great adventure! - What an amazing adventure. We can’t recommend Jason highly enough. He was gracious, knowledgeable and provided an easy enjoyable time for us. We would do this again!
Review provided by Viator
Shalene_s
Nov 5, 2023
Worth the experience. - Jason was a wonderful guide! Would definitely recommend and call on him the next time we visit South Africa.
Review provided by Viator
Shalenesd
Nov 1, 2023
A wonderful experience. - Jason was an excellent guide! He helped manage our time to maximize our experience. He was very knowledgeable about the historical aspects of our tour and route. He went above and beyond to facilitate specific requests- even those off-route. A wonderful experience and would totally recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Genellhilton
Oct 19, 2023
Excellent tour with equally excellent guide - A wonderful day trip with a very knowledgable and entertaining guide, Jason Pollard. From the moment i was picked up from my hotel to drop off, the service was excellent. Adequate time was allowed for the two sights including time to get a little souvenir shopping done. I never felt rushed. Would highly recommend Deeprift Ventours and Jason to any Johannesburg visitors.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Redpineapple
Sep 15, 2023
Great tour with Jason. - My husband and I had a great day on this tour with Jason. He shared so much history with us as we were driving. We had a bit of a drive to the Cradle of Humankind from our hotel and it was great to have a true guide with us sharing things with us instead of just a driver. He pointed out things along the drive and answered all the questions we had. Sadly the caves at the cradle of humankind were closed so we only saw the museum, but Jason did inform us of that a few days before and we therefore were able to have additional time at the Lion Safari. Jason handled everything with the tickets and left us with a museum tour group and was waiting for us when we walked out. When then went to the Lion Safari again Jason handled everything and we just walked right onto the tour group vehicle for the Lion Park and he was again waiting for us right when we got off so we felt well taken care of. We had a great lunch together with him and another great drive home learning more about the areas we were driving back through. I would have much preferred seeing the caves rather than the museum for the cradle of humankind but that was just bad luck for us as the caves are currently closed due to flooding that happened in Dec. The Lion Park was such a neat experience to see some lion families. I would say it was somewhere in between a zoo and a true nature reserve ... the park is sectioned off for different animals so that there isn't competition with male lions and such, so there was a lot of driving in between gated off sections, and the animals are fed - they do not hunt. But we weren't' sure if we were going to get to see lions on our safari later in our trip in South Africa so it was a great opportunity to see them close up. Because we were able to do the longer tour at the park we also got to see cheetahs, wild dogs, and some caged hyenas.
Review provided by Viator
Chris_h
Aug 15, 2023
Fantastic! - Great tour that takes you through a lion safari park to see amazing animals and takes you into the heart of the cradle of humankind.
Review provided by Viator
Ricky_j
Aug 15, 2023
Lions and Fossils - Enjoyed our tour and our friendly and very knowledgeable guide, Jason. Would recommend a two-hour lion safari option rather than just one hour. Too many animals to see in just one hour! Disappointed that the caves were closed in the Cradle of Humanity part of the tour. The Maropeng museum was very interesting, though it needs some updating and TLC.
Review provided by Viator
Amf20212021
Aug 9, 2023
100/10 Recommended 🌟 - We had an amazing time on Jason’s tour. My mom and I adventured out to the Lion Park and Safari, as well as the Cradle of Humankind. Jason was a wonderful, knowledgeable, warm and courteous guide for our day trip. When we booked, he reached out promptly to let us know that the caves were still closed, and that he’d book us for a 2 hour safari to make up for the time. The minibus was very comfortable and clean, and Jason offered us water while we journeyed. The tours themselves were incredible- not to be missed! We unreservedly recommend you take Jason’s tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 13 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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