Cradle of Humankind: Fossil Discovery Tour
4.7
166 Ratings
Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Embark on a captivating tour of the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into human history. Explore the museum and discover remarkable fossil findings that shed light on our ancient ancestors.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site - A visit to the Cradle of Humankind, with its two visitor centers, is unforgettable. The main center at Maropeng Museum is filled with engaging, interactive exhibits, while a smaller center serves as the entrance to the intriguing Sterkfontein Caves, revealing their ancient secrets.
    The Maropeng Visitor…
What's Included
  • A bottle of water
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • Drinks
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks
  • Food and drinks, other than the “value added offers” specified in your guidebook
  • Lunch
Additional Information

In 1999, the Cradle of Humankind was designated a World Heritage Site due to its outstanding contribution to our understanding of human history, spanning over 3 million years. The area boasts 15 significant fossil sites, with the Sterkfontein Caves being the most renowned.
The Sterkfontein Caves are famous for the discovery of the fossils “Mrs Ples” and…

Location
Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(166 Ratings)
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Matthew_s
Jul 23, 2025
A must do experience if... - A must do experience if you come to Johannesburg. So much interesting stuff to see with great tour guides who really know their stuff.
Review provided by Viator
Sumsawe220
Jul 21, 2025
Excellent Trip to Maropeng and Sterkfontein! - Our trip to Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves was fantastic, largely thanks to Brian. He did a superb job getting us around safely and shared so many interesting stories along the way, which really enhanced the experience. We felt incredibly well cared for throughout the entire trip. I would absolutely book this trip again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
916eduardal
Jul 4, 2025
Everything perfect - Excellent work! Quick service on WhatsApp and the driver arrived at the hotel on time to pick us up, he was very polite and friendly! Well maintained and comfortable car. wonderful tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps43967973497
Jun 30, 2025
Education made fun - It was an awesome experience, very informative. The Phillipians Team was professional, interactive from pick-up point and throughout the tour. Service delivered 👌🏾
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christopher
Jun 24, 2025
Early homonids - I was only able to see the maropeng museum because Stellfontein caves were closed. Since that information was not on the description, I was refunded party of the cost. The museum was excellent, and it was worth it to hike the beautiful nature trail. My driver Griffith gave me such fascinating info on Tswana culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thatcrazymusicteache
Jun 19, 2025
Yay! Adventures (and history)!! - Guides were very informative. We had a driver, and separate guides for both venues. We had plenty of time to explore at our own pace (and I am notorious for reading every plaque at museums). Lunch at the Cradle was tasty. Overall, it was an excellent day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek21414313695
Jun 14, 2025
A tour you should not miss! - It was an amazing day with Brian! The weather was perfect and the guides at both locations were amazing. Both tours were also extended cause the guides were so good! 💯 recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
484margh
Jul 9, 2025
Great day trip - Very interesting and informative trip. The driver/guide was friendly and polite, sharing much knowledge about the history and current status of SA. The caves walk was great and the Cradle of Humankind experience was very educational.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ce_m
Jun 23, 2025
Maropeng museum is good... - Maropeng museum is good to see. The cave is a little difficulty to go through. If you have mobility issues, just do the maropeng museum
Review provided by Viator
Curious07311070555
Jul 15, 2025
Informative but Misleading – More a Transport Service Than a Guided Tour - The tour was worthwhile, especially if you're interested in archaeology or human history. That said, if these topics aren’t of particular interest, the experience may not be as engaging. The guide/driver, Griffith, was punctual and friendly. HOWEVER, BE WARNED: as another reviewer noted (and I should have paid more attention to), this tour is not fully guided by the tour company itself. While the company arranges transportation and entry, the actual guiding at the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Visitor Centre is done by on-site staff, not by your tour guide. In other words, you're essentially paying for transportation and entrance fees—not for an in-depth guided experience throughout. For a solo traveler, the cost of $118 feels high considering this limited involvement. If it is indeed government policy to assign site guides separately, as the driver mentioned, the tour company should clearly state this upfront. Another company I checked also failed to clarify this, but that does not excuse the lack of transparency here. The price should either be adjusted accordingly or the nature of the tour should be explained more clearly in the description.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $101
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).