10th year anniversary (1999 - 2009) Celebrate 10 years of existence and do a whole lot of living where life began .

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COH WHS) is an area of outstanding universal value. As a premier tourist destination, the COH WHS is based on the preservation, exploration and interpretation of the story of humanity and its brand value encompasses ancient history, human beginnings, discovery and modern adventure, filled with excitement, innovation and fun. On the 2nd of December, 1999, the Cradle of Humankind was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in recognition of its remarkable fossil heritage. Its complex of fossil-bearing caves contains a superbly preserved record of the various stages in the evolution of humankind within the past 3.5 million years. In the 10 years of its listing as a World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind has established its reputation as an important tourist destination in South Africa.

A Management Authority was appointed by the Gauteng Provincial Government to protect the fossil sites and to encourage tourism development through the development of infrastructure and the creation of a world class facility through a Public Private Partnership. On 24th September 2005, the then Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ncguka opened the new facilities at Sterkfontein. Maropeng, was opened by former President Thabo Mbeki on 7th December 2005. The Interpretation Centre Complex of Maropeng and Sterkfontein have received diverse prestigious awards for construction, tourism, travel, heritage, government projects, children’s offerings, sustainability, business and marketing. Come and see for yourself why these superb facilities just keep gleaning accolades.

A broad range of hotels, lodges, guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation are also available within the site. There are also restaurants and pubs, a cultural village, private game reserves, craft shops, art galleries and plant nurseries. The adventurous can enjoy hot air ballooning, horse riding, river rafting and much more. The Cradle of Humankind, a unique place of universal importance, is waiting for you to explore, discover and experience a whole lot of life, where life began. We have been waiting for you for four million years! What are you waiting for?