Sterkfontein Caves
Discover the origins of humankind at Sterkfontein Caves. Image (c) Gauteng Tourism Authority
Sterkfontein Caves is the world’s richest hominid fossil site, with thousands of discoveries made there since excavation began in 1935. It is also the site of the longest continuous palaeoanthropological dig in the world.
A visit to this World Heritage Site takes visitors on an exploration deep into these fascinating caves. An hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the site is the perfect way to spend a day out of the city with the family.
Before entering the caves, visitors are guided through a world-class scientific exhibition centre where they can discover the origins of humankind.
Showcased are different cave formations and geology, early life forms, mammals and hominid fossils such as “Mrs Ples”, the “Taung Child” and “Little Foot”. Visitors can also learn about palaeobotany and landscapes.
The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) owns Sterkfontein Caves and scientists from the university have excavated at Sterkfontein for many years. They are responsible for major discoveries there, which have shed light on the mystery of who lived on Earth before modern humans.
These enlightening discoveries include “Mrs Ples”, a 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus skull and “Little Foot”, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton more than three million years old.
To this day, “Little Foot’ is still partially buried in breccia and is being patiently exposed by Professor Ron Clarke, a palaeoanthropologist from Wits.
Discoveries made in the caves date back to the birth of humanity more than four million years ago. Visitors can also learn about how hominids survived on Earth, explained by the discovery of two-million-year-old stone tools.
After a tour through the caves, visitors to Sterkfontein can stroll along the wooden walkway with views of the scenic Cradle of Humankind, and the excavation site where Wits scientists still work.
As the caves are deep and have some narrow pathways, visitors must wear comfortable shoes, and leave large handbags or luggage behind. People who suffer from claustrophobia, asthma or chest problems should miss the cave tour as there are many stairs.
The tours run every half hour, seven days a week. Unfortunately the caves are not wheelchair-accessible. There is also a lovely restaurant for visitors to enjoy a toasted sandwich, hamburger or light snack.
Cost:
Adults: R120
Children (four to14 years): R70
Children under four years: Free
Pensioners/students: R80 (on production of a valid pensioner/student card)