by Heidi Olivier
The Cradle of Humankind is of global paleoanthropological significance to all of us. Maropeng, which means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, is the centre within The Cradle that showcases our history as a species. This special place is so much more than just a history lesson. Let’s take a tour…
Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves
Kick off your adventures around the Cradle of Humankind at the Maropeng Visitor Centre. This is known for its carved-in-a-hill construction, so hold on tightly to your kids! They'll likely be excited to run straight through the mountain as you begin your journey through history. The interactive journey uses impressive technology to take you through time. You'll witness the unfolding of civilisation, from the formation of the planets to the very day that you find yourself standing in front of our modern-day species. You'll also get a glimpse at world-famous fossils and stone tools discovered in the Sterkfontein Caves up close. There are four main exhibits to explore at the centre, so give yourself ample time.
Details: Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein, 1911 Magaliesburg | 014 577 9000 | [email protected] | https://www.maropeng.co.za/maropeng-tour/maropeng-tour
Once you've thoroughly explored the museum, put on your walking shoes and gear up to explore the Sterkfontein Caves. Although the caves remain productive as full-time research and excavation sites, there's a tour for visitors that comes highly recommended, as it includes the excavation sites of the famous Mrs Ples and Little Foot, as well as an inside look into the geology of the caves. The lake is also a profoundly interesting feature to investigate; with passages extending over 5 km underwater, it's protected under UNESCO World Heritage Site legislation. No swimming or diving is allowed.
Cost: +/- R150 per person | Details: 011 717 9946 | [email protected] | https://sterkfonteincaves.wits.ac.za/
Other activities in the area
The Cradle of Humankind offers a wide variety of adventure sports, arts, cultural venues, and family-fun activities to enjoy.
Sun Eagle Adventures
This activity centre offers several adventure activities such as archery, paintball, and a guided one-hour quad bike ride through The Cradle at R650 per person. Interactive drumming is also on offer at R395 per person. It's a great way to increase endorphins and release the built-up stress of daily life, so we suggest you give it a whirl.
Details: 071 868 1622 | WhatsApp 069 104 7665 | [email protected] | https://suneagleadventures.activitar.com/
Nearby, you'll also find The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Guided and self-drive options are available at the reserve, so go see some big game and endangered wildlife! The park is also home to the Bothongo WonderCave; it's the third-biggest chamber in South Africa, topped only by the Cango Caves and the Sudwala Caves. Each activity has a separate cost, so check out the website for more information. Entry fees to the caves are separate from the reserve. An outing here makes a perfect way to spend the day, and there are 3 restaurants to choose from if you start to feel peckish.
Details: 520 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp | 011 957 0349 | [email protected] | https://www.rhinolion.co.za/
Nirox Sculpture Park
NIROX is art redefined; the space is bound to inspire you. You can tap into your creative side right in the heart of nature, or catch one of the many live concerts hosted in this gorgeous park. You'll enjoy everything from jazz and blues to folk, classical, contemporary, indigenous music, opera, and performance art. The park is also part of a rehabilitation and rewilding centre for distressed wild animals. The park is open on weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 4 pm.
Cost: R150 per adult | R80 for children aged 2-12 years. Restaurant patrons enter for a reduced fee of R80.
Details: Sculpture Park 060 886 2407 | [email protected] | Restaurant 064 537 4473 | [email protected] | https://www.niroxarts.com/
Cradle Moon Game Lodge
If you're looking for an experience that's a little more tranquil, escape the rush of the city by taking a drive out to Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge. Bring your binoculars with you to help you spot herds of zebra, kudu, and antelope. You can also spot happy hippos bobbing along in the 32-hectare lake. There are over 20 species of wild animals at Cradle Moon, so you're bound to get up close and personal with at least one majestic creature. Safely, of course! There are also dedicated hiking trails, as well as game drives and mountain biking adventures on offer. Click here to find out more about Cradle Moon's offerings.
Nearby Restaurants
The Cradle Restaurant | Cirqlar @ Bidon | Molitva | The Fig Food and Art | The Little Roadhouse | Makiti | Ground Café
Johannesburg and the Cradle of Humankind offer two sides of Gauteng in one easy adventure. Joburg brings the buzz as South Africa’s financial capital, while the Cradle delivers ancient history, open landscapes, and a slower pace just outside the city. A day trip here can mean enjoying fossil sites, interactive exhibits, and plenty of space for kids to explore; it’s a top choice for a family-friendly outing near Joburg. If you’re looking for a quick getaway close to home, the Cradle of Humankind is right on your doorstep.
Looking for more things to do just outside of the city? Check out our guide to planning a day trip out to Hartbeespoort.
