Entrance to the Maropeng Visitor Centre
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an award-winning attraction with loads to offer visitors to Gauteng. Situated in the Witwatersberg and Magaliesberg mountain ranges, just an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Maropeng is the official Visitor Centre of the Cradle of Humankind, one of South Africa’s eight World Heritage Sites and one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa.
The exhibition centre takes visitors on a journey of discovery to learn more about the origins of humankind, and is housed in the Tumulus, a unique architectural structure resembling an ancient burial mound. An underground boat ride starts the adventure, taking visitors through the various stages of Earth’s creation. Visitor’s then emerge into the main exhibition halls, where the evolution of humankind is illustrated through fun and interactive displays and games.
More than just an exploration of human origins, the Maropeng exhibition also inspires visitors to be more aware of threats to the environment. The sustainability wall, which runs across the main exhibition room, highlights important facts about modern humans and our consumption of rapidly decreasing natural resources.
Maropeng provides visitors with a rare opportunity to view original hominid and dinosaur fossils, as well as ancient artefacts housed in the fossil display room. The collections on display change throughout the year, ensuring there is always something new to see at Maropeng.
Maropeng’s objective is to make learning fun for children and adults. In addition to hosting many school visits, the centre offers a number of informative recreational events each month such as star-gazing evenings which can be booked via the online Maropeng shop.
Other facilities include a conference and event venue, as well as three restaurants and a luxury hotel. The Maropeng Boutique Hotel offers fine Gauteng accommodation and is situated within walking distance of the Visitor Centre, is the perfect getaway for couples and businesspeople. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail on the pool deck and a swim while taking in the breathtaking views of the Cradle of Humankind.
Maropeng is also a short drive from the fossil-rich Sterkfontein Caves. A visit combining both Maropeng and the caves provides visitors to Gauteng with the perfect day out of the city.
Visiting hours
Open daily from 9am to 5pm, last entrance at 4pm.
Admission
Maropeng Visitor’s Centre
Adults: R120
Children (under 18): R65
Children under four: free
Pensioners: R65 (on presentation of a valid ID)
Students: R75 (on presentation of a valid student card)
School groups: R65 per pupil
Combination ticket (Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves)
Adults: R190
Children (under 18): R125
Pensioners: R65
School groups: R120 per pupil
Note: The combination ticket can only be bought before 1pm to ensure visitors have enough time to see both exhibitions.
