It's A World Heritage Site

Officially being recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1999, Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind has been dubbed as the place where it all began: the birth of humanity. Why here of all places in the world, you may ask? Well, for starters, it is one of the world’s richest fossil sites.

Here, fossils discovered within the Sterkfontein Caves date back to more than 4-million years ago. And secondly, the caves themselves are certainly amazing, not only for their spectacular views and structures, but also because it's a time travelling vortex that'll take you back to the prehistoric age of our planet.

This destination is extremely interesting, exciting and thrilling, and is a must-visit you need to do at least once. Also, Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves are both located within close proximity to active scientific dig sites, where researchers are digging, reconstructing and researching humanity’s complex origin.

Fun fact: Did you know that an estimated 40% of all the world's human ancestor fossils have been found in the Cradle of Humankind?

It's Edutaining!

Visiting Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind is the perfect outing for the entire family. Not only is it educational, teaching visitors about the beginnings of humankind, but it is also loads of fun. The award-winning world-class exhibition, the Maropeng Visitor Centre, showcases the development and evolution of humans, as well as all of the interesting fossil and excavation discoveries that have been made in the area over the years.

Here, guests will enjoy a self-guided and interactive journey through time, beginning with the formation of the planet, then moving forward through the evolutionary processes over thousands and millions of years, to the world as we know it at present. You'll also get the opportunity to view fossils that are millions of years old, find out how humankind came to be, see stone tools that are up to 1-million years old, and so much more.

To get your tickets to visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre, be sure to book online as they are not selling tickets onsite. Please see the Maropeng Visitor Centre's operating hours, costs and further details below:

• Opening times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 09:00 – 16:30 (final tour at 16:30).
• Costs: All visitors over the age of six: R100 per person | Children under the age of six: Free entry
• Click here to book online.

You'll Explore 4-Million Year Old Caves

One of the tours you absolutely need to do when you visit Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind is the Sterkfontein Caves tour! We promise you, you will be absolutely amazed by the time you have ended viewing and exploring this breathtaking cave. The Sterkfontein Caves are renowned for their fossil discoveries, the most notable and well-known being the find of Mrs Ples, the most complete skull of a 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus Africanus ever found in South Africa; and Little Foot, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton that's more than 3-million years old.

The walking tours through the Sterkfontein Caves starts above ground, and will delve deep into the caves, showcasing where scientists discovered many hominid and other animal fossils. You'll also get to view the amazing sights of the cave itself, filled with various stalactite and stalagmite formations along the cave's floor and ceiling.

To get your tickets to visit the Sterkfontein Caves, be sure to book online as they do not sell tickets onsite. Please see the Sterkfontein Caves's operating hours, costs and further details below:

• Opening times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 09:00 – 16:00 (final tour at 16:00).
• Costs: All visitors over the age of six: R100 per person | Children under the age of six: Free entry
• Click here to book online.

It's A Lovely Getaway Destination

Why not make a weekend of it and plan a quick getaway with your family at the Maropeng Boutique Hotel? This beautiful destination offers 24 bedrooms, that can accommodate up to 48 people. Here, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful views of the Witwatersberg and Magaliesberg ranges, be within walking distance from Maropeng Visitor Centre and a short 10km drive from the Sterkfontein Caves. Their room rate includes free high-speed internet, air conditioning, a lovely breakfast, free parking, as well as access to the pool, restaurant and bar, and wheelchair access.

Dining With A View

Feeling hungry after all of your exploring and learning about the beginning of humankind? Then why not refuelled and delight your taste buds at the onsite Tumulus Restaurant? Situated on the first floor of the ever-bustling Maropeng Visitor Centre, this restaurant offers their diners not only something delicious to dine on, but also some of the best views in Gauteng. This is the perfect location to enjoy sundowners as the sunsets, enjoy a romantic dinner for two, or treat the family to some light meals before or after your adventure through the Maropeng Visitor Centre or the Sterkfontein Caves.

For More Information

For more information about Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves, visit www.maropeng.co.za.

You can also contact them on 014 577 9000 or [email protected].

Don't forget to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news, events, exhibitions, discoveries and more.

Johannesburg has a rich, diverse and unique history, beginning with being founded in 1886 as a 19th-century gold-mining settlement during the Witwatersrand Gold Rush. And most of the city's well-known tourist attractions are centred around our eventful past and how our beloved Jozi came to be.

There are many must-visits you need to add to your to-do list when visiting the city of Johannesburg. Take a trip to the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton and take pictures standing next to the 6m tall, bronze statue of former President and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela. Go an a safari drive at a nearby game reserve merely minutes away from the city and have fun spotting the Big 5. Even visit Gold Reef City, not just for their thrilling theme park, but also for their insightful guided heritage tour that'll take you through the history of the Gold Rush and let you explore an actual gold mine!

What Are You Looking For? 

Heritage Points of Interest
Heritage Tours
Museums
Game Reserves

Points of Interest

Orlando Towers

One of the top highlights of visiting the city of Johannesburg is heading to the iconic Orlando Towers in Soweto. Not only are they a beautiful spectacle of street art, but this spot also offers thrilling activities that'll get your heart racing. Pluck up the courage, get strapped up and secured, and do a 100m bungee between the cooling towers. You can also brave a SCAD freefall or base jumping. Looking for something a little less terrifying? Spend your afternoon enjoy a few rounds of paintball, wall climbing, or taking in the stunning 360 degree views of the city from the top of one of the towers.

Visit the Orlando Towers.

Mandela's House

8115 Orlando West, corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane Streets, Soweto. An address that has been woven into South Africa's history. This is where former President Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962, and where you'll find the Nelson Mandela National Museum today. This world-class attraction preserves the historical heritage and legacy of the Mandela family and presents it with a collection of memorabilia, photographs, paintings and research within the four inter-leading rooms of the home.

Visit Mandela's House.

Constitution Hill

Take a journey back into South Africa's turbulent history and travel through the transition into our democracy at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein. Also known as Con Hill, this space is a museum and is the site of the notorious Old Fort prison, Number 4 prison and the Women's Gaol. It's also home of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Apart from the exhibitions, the public can also get the opportunity to explore with guided tours. This venue has become an important platform in preserving and showcasing our heritage through education and tourism related programmes.

Visit Constitution Hill.

Johannesburg Art Gallery

Being the largest gallery on the continent, the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) located in the centre of Joubert Park boasts over 9 000 artworks, displayed across 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens. Here, you can expect to see everything from artefacts, sculptures, drawings, paintings, prints and lacework to 17th-century Dutch paintings, 18- and 19th-century British and European work, as well as contemporary South African art. Keen on exploring this space? Tours through the gallery are available, but ensure that you make your bookings in advance.

Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery.

Nelson Mandela Bridge

When travelling into Johannesburg Central, be sure to take a drive along the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Linking bustling Braamfontein to vibey Newtown, this is the largest cable-stayed bridge in the country, crossing over the 42 railway lines and carrying two lanes of traffic, two sidewalks, and a bicycle lane. It's a lovely sight by day, but come night, this bridge lights up the Johannesburg cityscape!

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Get a little fresh air and stretch those legs at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at the Emmarentia Dam. It's a lovely space to explore, view and admire all the greenery, fauna and flora. It boasts one of the finest plant collections in the world, complete with over 30 000 trees, a large rose garden, indigenous variants and succulents, and herb garden. It's also a lovely spot where visitors can get their daily dose of exercise, enjoy a lovely picnic with the family, or even watch the Summer Sunset Concerts featuring a lineup of local and international acts that's sure to delight.

Sandton City

One of the most visited and prestigious shopping destinations on the continent, boasting world-class shopping, amazing restaurants and only the best in local and international brands, the ever-popular Sandton City Shopping Centre is an absolute must on your to-do list when visiting Johannesburg. This retail hub attracts visitors from across the country and the world, all within close proximity to busy business centres, top-notch accommodation and other nearby entertainment

Visit Sandton City.

Nelson Mandela Square

Adjoined to the well-known Sandton City Shopping Centre is Nelson Mandela Square, which is home to a 6m tall bronze statue of former President and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela. This statue attracts visitors from all over the world, just for the opportunity to get a picture standing next to this popular feature on the square. After taking photos of and admiring the statue, why not dine out at one of the lovely restaurants scattered around the square?

Visit Nelson Mandela Square.

Heritage Tours

City Sightseeing Johannesburg & Soweto

One of the best ways to explore Johannesburg and all of its unique points of interest is hopping on and off the red double decker City Sightseeing bus! There's a variety of ticket options for you to choose from, ranging from one day trips to combo deals, ensuring that you experience the exciting parts of the city with ease. with over 16 stops and over 20 of Johannesburg's top attractions to visit, City Sightseeing Johannesburg & Soweto is a safe, fun, educational and convenient way to venture into the city.

Visit City Sightseeing Johannesburg & Soweto.

Gold Reef City

Other than the buzzing casino and thrilling theme park, Gold Reef City offers local and international visitors the opportunity to explore a Joburg's heyday. Joburg is known as being the hive of activity during the 1886 Gold Rush, and what better way to get insight into and explore this exciting period of our past than with Jozi's Story Of Gold heritage tour? Descend into an old gold mine and discover the riches of our country’s history. Plus, you'll also get the opportunity to experience the magnificent glow of a live gold pour.

Visit Gold Reef City.

Cycle In Soweto

Explore the famous Soweto township by bicycle with Cycle in Soweto. These private bike tours allows tourists and locals to experience the area in a whole different way, give the opportunity to have real personal interactions with the Soweto locals, enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, and even get a little bit of exercise while pedaling from one stop to the next. This is a unique township experience that you certainly need to add to your adventure bucket list.

Visit Cycle In Soweto.

Museums

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum in Ormonde opened in 2001, and illustrates the rise and fall of Apartheid. Visitors will get the opportunity to experience the dark days of the Apartheid era through a variety of exhibitions that include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts showcasing the events and stories that took place during this time.

Visit the Apartheid Museum.

Wits Origin Centre Museum

For a unique history lesson, the Wits Origin Centre Museum explores and celebrates the history and evolution of modern humankind. Visitors will be able to explore and view collections of ancient stone tools, artefacts of symbolic and spiritual significance, and visually striking rock art.

Visit Wits Origin Centre Museum. 

Lindfield Victorian House Museum

The Lindfield House Victorian Museum in Auckland Park will take you back in time to the days of a bygone era, offering a unique and interesting tour you won't experience anywhere else in the city. This is one of Joburg’s best-kept secrets and an absolute must-visit if you’re looking to do a little time travelling! And as if the tour of this ‘time capsule’ isn’t amazing enough, you’ll get to enjoy delicious sausage rolls, fluffy scones with jam and cream, and scrumptious cake at the afternoon tea. Click here to find out what more to expect.

Visit the Lindfield Victorian House Museum.

Absa Money Museum

Explore the history of money in South Africa at the Absa Money Museum situated in the Johannesburg CBD. This is home to the most complete collection of South African numismatic items in the world. The museum’s history goes back to the beginnings of trade in the city. Displays include ranges of early money forms such as Cowrie Shells and Venetian glass beads, as well as golden coins retrieved from sunken ships.

Visit the Absa Money Museum.

The Ditsong National Museum of Military History

The Ditsong National Museum of Military History is a treasure trove of military-related journals, weapons and photographs from a number of wars in South African history. There's also an impressive collection of fighter planes, tanks and even a submarine for you to view. The museum is also regarded as the spiritual and symbolic home and memorial for all the brave South African soldiers and veterans.

Visit the Ditsong National Museum of Military History.

James Hall Museum of Transport

The James Hall Museum of Transport in La Rochelle is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. This museum offers motor enthusiasts and inquisitive children insight into what transportation in early Johannesburg was like. Once you have thoroughly explored the displays, head over to the museum’s gift shop. Here, you can find postcards and transport-related trinkets to take home.

Visit the James Hall Museum of Transport.

The Adler Museum of Medicine

Have an interest in medicine and its history? Then be sure to visit The Adler Museum of Medicine, housed at the University of the Witwatersrand's Medical School Campus in Parktown. This museum preserves the history of the health sciences in South Africa and showcases interesting and invaluable collections of medical items from the fields of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

Visit the Adler Museum of Medicine.

Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind offer visitors plenty of activities and exhibits to explore. Start off your visit at the world-class Maropeng Visitor Centre, that will take you on a journey through mankind's development over millions of years. This offers visitors the chance to view world famous fossils and interesting stone tools discovered in the Sterkfontein Caves. Famous fossils includes the discovery of Mrs Ples and Little Foot. You can also explore these caves for yourself!

Visit the Cradle of Humankind.

Game Reserves

One of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa involves travelers and locals alike, heading out into the bushveld and enjoying safari drives, spotting the Big 5 and reconnecting with nature. For all of your outdoor and safari needs, take a look at our extensive destination lists below:

• Game Viewing Within Driving Distance From Johannesburg
• Nature Reserves Around Johannesburg
• Game Farms Around Johannesburg

Who Are They?

Gauteng Shuttles Tours And Charters offers tours in Johannesburg and Soweto. The tours are tailored and each offer something exciting.

What Do They Offer?

Transport to:

• Lanseria and OR Tambo airports
• All sports and music events
• Pub crawl, wedding and team building

Safety Precautions In Place

N/A.

Do They Deliver?

Yes.

Where Are They Located?

Florida Lake, Roodepoort, Gauteng.

For More Information

For more information, visit their website.

Who Are They?

Plan D Scuba Adventures & Scubaholics offers a world of exploring with their adventures and tailored destination packages.

What Do They Offer?

• Scuba Diving Courses
• Scuba Equipment Sales
• Local and International Scuba Travel
• First Aid Training

Safety Precautions In Place

N/A.

Do They Deliver?

Yes.

Where Are They Located?

35 12th Avenue, Parktown North.

For More Information

For more information, visit their website.

All Aboard The Johannesburg City Sightseeing Bus

If you haven’t jumped on the famous City Sightseeing Bus that everyone has been raving about, then now is your chance to check it out. The City Sightseeing's tour shows you Johannesburg city like you've never seen it before and takes you to all of Jozi's historical spots including the Carlton Centre, The Apartheid Museum, SAB World of Beer, Braamfontein and Constitution Hill.

This is a great day outing for the whole family, and there are specials for children and pensioners, so everyone can afford to take this exciting trip.

Don’t forget to pack your camera because there are a number of excellent photo opportunities along the way. And for those worried about safety, rest assured that these bus tours are designed so that you get the best experience in a secure way.

Why Go?

This city sightseeing tour is where you can hop on and off an open-top red bus and explore Johannesburg's top sights and attractions. Fear not foreigners. The bus comes equip with audio commentary in 15 languages, with a dedicated channel just for kids.

Your ticket includes both routes:

• The Green City Tour that shows you the suburbs in a way you've never seen them
• The City Tour through Joburg CBD

You can also take advantage of a free shuttle service from certain hotels in the Sandton and Melrose area, making this sightseeing tour accessible to tourists, business travellers and locals alike.

When Is It?

Every day. Check their tour options to plan your trip.

Where Is It?

The tour starts at various venues.

How much Is It?

A two day ticket costs R280, while a one day hop on hop off ticket costs R180. You can enjoy a R20 discount on Sunday's costing you R160. The three for one special means that two kids under the age of 18 can hop on the sightseeing tour bus for free, so large families are welcome.

*Prices correct at time of writing.

For more information, click here.