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World Heritage · Joanesburgo, Gauteng
Berço da Humanidade
Region of limestone caves northwest of Johannesburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Maropeng visitor centre and the Sterkfontein caves.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Berço da Humanidade
The Cradle of Humankind covers about 47,000 hectares of hills and farms northwest of Johannesburg. In the limestone caves of the region some of the most important fossils of human ancestors, over 2 million years old, were found, and the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The Sterkfontein caves are the best known. There the paleontologist Robert Broom found, in 1947, the Australopithecus skull nicknamed Mrs. Ples, and in the 1990s Little Foot appeared, an almost complete skeleton older than 3 million years. The guided tour descends into the galleries and passes the excavation sites.
About 10 km away, the Maropeng visitor centre has an exhibition on human evolution that begins with a boat ride through an underground tunnel and continues through interactive rooms. The building, shaped like a grass-covered tomb, is visible from afar.
The two sites are visited separately, and many people do both in the same day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day for Maropeng and Sterkfontein.
Best time
In the morning, to allow time for both sites. Confirm beforehand whether the Sterkfontein caves are open for visits.
How to get there
It is about 50 km from Johannesburg and Pretoria via the R563 and R400, roughly an hour’s drive. There are tours that depart from both cities.
Tip
Wear closed footwear at Sterkfontein: the descent includes stairs and low passages, not recommended for those with claustrophobia.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Berço da Humanidade
What is the Cradle of Humankind?
A region of caves northwest of Johannesburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where fossils of human ancestors millions of years old were found.
What was found at Sterkfontein?
The skull known as Mrs. Ples in 1947 and the skeleton Little Foot in the 1990s, among thousands of other fossils.
What is the distance from the Cradle of Humankind to Johannesburg?
About 50 km, about an hour by car.
Are Maropeng and Sterkfontein in the same place?
No; they are about 10 km apart, and each has its own tour.