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Cradle of Human Kind, Maropeng & Sterkfontein Caves Tour
Step back 4 million years... to where it all began. Journey beyond the present and into humanity’s most ancient origins with our Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves Tour—a profound exploration of the very place where life as we know it first began.
Located just outside Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is one of South Africa’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, renowned globally as one of the richest fossil fields on Earth. This is not just a tour—it’s a spiritual, scientific and nature voyage to the birthplace of all humankind.
Your experience begins at the awe-inspiring Maropeng Visitor Centre, whose name fittingly means "returning to the place of origin" in Setswana. Inside this futuristic yet organic structure, you’ll be taken on a compelling journey through time—tracing the evolution of life on Earth from single-celled organisms to modern humans. Interactive exhibits and immersive displays bring ancient history to life as you explore the dramatic changes that shaped our planet and the species that once roamed it.
You’ll witness not only the miraculous story of human evolution, but also sobering reflections on extinction, climate change, and the fragile future of our planet—reminders of our deep connection to the natural world and our responsibility to protect it.
From Maropeng, we venture deeper—both literally and figuratively—into the earth, as we descend into the Sterkfontein Caves, one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites in the world. A dolomite cave system that formed about 20 to 30 million years ago, it consists of a series of underground chambers and passageways with a total mapped cave system of over 2.5 kilometres.
Forming an integral part of the Cradle of Humankind, these limestone caves have yielded some of the most groundbreaking fossil discoveries in human history. Walk the same ancient paths where world-renowned scientists unearthed the famous Mrs. Ples, a 2.1 million-year-old Australopithecus africanus skull—the most complete early hominid skull ever found. And discover the story of Little Foot, an extraordinary 4.17 million-year-old near-complete hominid skeleton, painstakingly excavated over two decades and still offering new insights into our earliest ancestors.
Escorted by expert Guides, you’ll explore underground chambers, fossil-rich rock formations, and the eerie stillness of the earth’s ancient layers—all while standing on the threshold of discovery. This is more than just a tour—it’s a deeply moving connection to our shared origins, a moment of awe, and a reminder of the story we all belong to.
QUICK FACTSIncludes: Vehicle and driver, entrance fees to Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves, expert Guide. Excludes: Any extras, meals and services not specified. |
Please note: As experiences and service providers may vary, the referenced images above are intended as a general guide only to the types of encounters possible.
SERVICE INVESTMENT

* Estimated instalment based on an assumed 12% APR.
Please note that the estimated monthly instalment is for guidance only. The accuracy and final rates depend on an individual’s circumstances, credit profile and score, loan amount, and repayment period.
Need finance? You may wish to consider our UK-approved partner, Ideal4Finance, rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. Linked to major lenders, they offer cost-effective rates and have helped thousands of UK customers secure finance.
Payments via EFT and all major bank cards are accepted. Please note that a 2.5% fee will be levied with card payments to cover bank charges.
Rates are subject to change due to interest rate fluctuations and any increases which may be the result of tourism bed levies, fuel, VAT or any circumstances beyond our control.
Any amendments required will result in a revised quotation.

COST EXCLUDES:
All airfares, air reservations and airport taxes.
All other accommodation.
Lunches, drinks and all other meals.
All other transport.
All other sightseeing.
Gratuities for meals, tourist guides, drivers.
Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry.
Any other services not mentioned herein.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTES
Passport
Visitors to South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after the intended departure date from South Africa. Passports should also have a minimum of two blank passport pages per country visited. The blank pages cannot include the endorsement page at the back of the book. If there is insufficient space in the passport, entry into a country could be denied. If you require a visa, you must ensure that your passport has two blank facing pages - one for the visa and one for the entry stamp. Visitors must have a return ticket. It is essential that you check current visa and medical requirements at your local embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit, prior to travelling. We suggest making a copy of your front and back pages of your passport, placing a copy in your luggage and keeping one at home.
Checked Baggage
The following important rules for checked baggage will be applied at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg:
Only regular-shaped bags will be allowed to be checked in. This means that the bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted
Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed
Bags with longs straps will not be allowed
These rules are implemented in order to prevent blockages and breakdowns in the baggage-handling system caused by bags that do not have any flat surfaces or that have long straps or grips. Passengers who try to check in bags that do not conform to these rules will have the option of having their baggage wrapped with one flat side at airport-approved baggage wrapping stations. (Any additional cost for this wrapping service will be for the passengers’ own account)
Travel Insurance
We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential and recommend Medical Travel Shield for specialized medical tourism and comprehensive travel insurance, tailored to meet all your personal needs. It is the personal responsibility of each traveler to ensure that they have adequate travel insurance cover. Please contact a broker directly, read the policy details carefully to ensure that the insurance cover purchased is suitable and is adequate for your particular needs. Dental Spas and Safaris and its agents will not be responsible or liable for any consequences of any nature arising from the failure to obtain or maintain adequate insurance cover.
DEPOSIT POLICY
Deposit | 50% to secure | 90 days prior 100% |
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
a) On confirmation of services: a deposit of 50% of the total quoted tour price is required.
b) 90 days before commencement of services – full payment is required.
For tours that include services of certain suppliers with more stringent policies, e.g. National Parks Board, Private Lodges and others, different payment terms may be enforceable. These will be provided prior to confirmation of proposal and where applicable.
c) Airline reservations.
For all your personalized flight plans, we recommend Flight Centre , who offer Dental Spas and Safaris clients a dedicated flight desk catering to all budgets, all major airlines, and unique needs, along with a 24/7 emergency contact number. All airfare reservations must be made directly and are subject to the conditions imposed by the respective travel agency and airline/s.
d) Paying with certain debit or credit cards may attract additional fees charged by the banks. Please check with your sales consultant what these might be.
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CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation | 0 - 90 days 100% | 91 – 120 days 50% | 121+ days 10% |