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.

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.