Cradle of Humankind: Day Trips and Tours from Johannesburg

Many archaeological sites around the world profess to have revealed the origin of human life. If you would like to see the most convincing one, head to the Cradle of Humankind on a day trip from Johannesburg.

The fossils found here are 3.5 million years old, and represent the earliest known life forms on Earth.

Here’s all you need to know about planning a Cradle of Humankind, one of the most fascinating dplaces for day trips from Johannesburg.

How to get to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg?

The Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage site is just 50 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg, in the province of Gauteng. It’s an easy day trip from the city, and the best way to get there is by road.

From Johannesburg to the Cradle of Humankind by car

The journey to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg by car takes around 90 minutes. You’ll need to follow the R400 out of the city, before turning onto the R563 in the direction of Hekpoor and Maropeng. The visitor center and caves are both along this road.

Guided tour to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg

For a fun and effortless excursion, guided tours are the way forward. You’ll be collected from your hotel, with door-to-door transfers making the experience stress-free.

Day tours from Johannesburg to the Cradle of Humankind last between 5 and 10 hours, depending on whether other attractions are included in the itinerary.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Cradle of Humankind cost?

Tickets for the Cradle of Humankind can be purchased either online or in person at the entry gate. The entrance fee is included if you have booked a Cradle of Humankind day tour from Johannesburg.

Prices for individual tickets are as follows:

Sterkfontein Caves

• Visitors aged 6 years and over: R100 (US$6)
• Visitors aged under 6 years: Free

Maropeng Visitor Centre

• Visitors aged 6 years and over: R100 (US$6)
• Visitors aged under 6 years: Free

The rates include guided tours at each site. You should arrive 15 minutes before your allocated timeslot.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg?

Your Cradle of Humankind day trip from Johannesburg begins with a hotel pickup after breakfast. The ride to the caves takes around 90 minutes, with some scenic views along the way.

Once at the Cradle of Humankind, you’ll enjoy a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves and the Maropeng Visitor Centre. You can buy lunch here if it’s not included in your tour package.

Some trips then continue to either the Lion and Safari Park or the Lesedi Cultural Village. Your Cradle of Humankind excursion finishes back at your hotel in time for dinner in the evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to the Cradle of Humankind?

You have several options when choosing a day trip from Johannesburg to the Cradle of Humankind. The most popular excursions are group tours, but private visits are also available.

Group day trip to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg

These tours are shared with other travelers, but group sizes are kept to just 15 participants, so the experience remains intimate. Door-to-door transfers are included from Johannesburg hotels.

This is a budget-friendly way to explore, with a professional driver and onsite tours helping you make the most of your day out.

Group tour to the Cradle of Humankind plus a Lion Safari from Johannesburg

If you want to spend longer out and about and fancy seeing some wildlife, then this is the tour for you. After visiting the Cradle of Humankind, you’ll head to the Lion Park for an open-vehicle safari. For those who haven’t seen lions in the wild, this is the next best thing.

These are small group tours with comfortable minibus transport.

Private tour to the Cradle of Humankind plus Lesedi Cultural Village from Johannesburg

Private trips give you a bit more flexibility with the schedule and include a bonus visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village. Here, you’ll learn about traditional tribal society and how it has shaped modern culture in South Africa.

You’ll also have your own car and driver so there will be no sharing with strangers. Hotel pickups and drop-offs are included for a smooth ride.

How much does a tour to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg cost?

Group tours to the Cradle of Humankind are the most affordable way to visit. Trips start at US$80 for the caves, and US$160 if you want to include the Lion Safari. Entry fees, transport and bottled water are included.

For a private jaunt to the Cradle of Humankind, expect to pay US$200 per person. This includes guided tours, a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village, lunch and snacks. Entry fees to the caves are also covered.

What will you see and do at the Cradle of Humankind?

The Cradle of Humankind

The extensive cave system at the Cradle of Humankind dates back millions of years, and is one of the world’s most culturally significant sites. This is where our early ancestors once lived, and the fossils found here have revealed secrets about evolution, and the environment.

During your visit you’ll take a journey through time, discovering more about the human legacy than you ever realized was possible. You’ll see some of the famous fossils – they’re part of the largest number of human remains ever found.

Sterkfontein Caves

There are 13 archaeological areas here, and excavations continue today. The Sterkfontein Caves are home to the most famous fossil sites and are often visited on a Cradle of Humankind day trip from Johannesburg. Around a third of the human fossils were found here, including those of “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot”.

Cave tours take you deep underground into the tunnels and caverns, where the geology is out of this world. There’s a museum on site too, where displays of early life forms are among the star attractions.

Maropeng Visitor Centre

The focus of the Maropeng Visitor Centre is an exhibition on human development. It sheds light on the evolution of our species as well as the world as a whole, with interactive displays offering a fun distraction.

You’ll see ancient stone tools over a million years old and learn about the important role fire has played in society.

When is the Cradle of Humankind open over the year?

You can visit the Cradle of Humankind all year round. Both the Sterkfontein Caves and the Maropeng Visitor Center are open daily between 9 AM and 4 PM.

When is the best time to visit the Cradle of Humankind?

Day tours to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg are enjoyable at all times of year. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off during the hotter summer months, then exploring the caves will do the trick.

The sites get busier throughout the day so to avoid the crowds, come first thing in the morning or during the late afternoon.

Travel tips

• Book your day trip to the Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg in advance – this is one of the most popular attractions in South Africa.
• There are a lot of steps down into the caves, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
• Most people spend between 2 and 3 hours exploring the site.
• There is a restaurant at Sterkfontein if you fancy a bite to eat during your visit.