World Heritage

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STERKFONTEIN CAVES

Heart of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site		   WORLD HERITAGE SITE
             

Sterkfontein Caves, one of the 13 fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, is less than an hour’s drive from the city and 10 minutes from Maropeng. The amenities include a restaurant and conferencing facilities. A scientific exhibition showcases a reconstruction of a mined versus a pristine cave, cave formations and geologies, early-life forms, mammals and homo-fossils, specific finds such as “Mrs Ples”, “Taung child” and “Little Foot” as well as details of fossilisation, palaeobotany and landscapes.

National heritage sites are required to practice sound visitor management to preserve South Africa’s natural resources. In accordance with the guidelines set out by the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA), visitor numbers to the Sterkfontein Caves are limited and it is advisable to book in advance for large groups. 

Open: Daily – tours depart every 30 mins from 9am–4pm
t 014 577 9000  f 014 577 9500
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   www.maropeng.co.za

 

 

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MAROPENG

Gateway to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site		 WORLD HERITAGE SITE
       

Maropeng, which means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, is located in the Cradle of Humankind and is the gateway to the World Heritage site. A mere 45-minute drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, it is the perfect country getaway for the family or for the company.  Facilities include:


• Underground visitor attraction
• Conference facilities for up to 350 delegates
• Two retail food outlets
• Restaurant with the best views in Gauteng
• Outdoor events amphitheatre, seating 10,000 people
• Accommodation for 120 learners
• Kiddies cave
• Destination retail store
• Observation deck
• Ample parking for cars and buses
• Original fossil display
• Underground boat ride


Visitors walk through the market place and up to the Tumulus building, which is designed to look like an ancient burial mound from the front; however, upon exiting, the visitor looks back at a very modern structure. The architecture is symbolic of the journey through the evolution of life which is told within the underground visitor attraction.

This exciting journey begins on an underground lake, through elemental forces, emerging at the beginning of the world and continuing through an interactive and educational experience highlighting the history of the world and humankind as a species.

 

Open: 9am–5pm (last admission 4pm)                                                                                                                    
t 014 577 9000  f 014 577 9500
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   www.maropeng.co.za