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Home/South Africa/Gauteng/Johannesburg/Cradle of Humankind

Explore the Cradle of Humankind: A Journey Through Time

Embark on a profound journey through time at the UNESCO World Heritage Cradle of Humankind. Discover the secrets of human evolution with immersive cave tours through the legendary Sterkfontein Caves and educational visits to the Maropeng Visitor Centre. Whether you are seeking historical guided tours, breathtaking nature walks, or cultural adventures, our curated experiences offer a deep dive into South Africa's prehistoric wonders. From fascinating museum explorations to scenic day trips, book your unforgettable expedition today and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.

4.58/5 avg ratingTours from $11434 unique experiencesHighly rated cave tours

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$142–$233 typical

Median price is $189, with a range up to $569

Rating

Rating

4.58★ average

Based on 627 pooled reviews with ~90% positive sentiment

Tour Length

Tour Length

7 hours median

Typical duration ranges from 4 to 19.8 hours

Best Value

Best Value

Cave Tours

Averages 4.8★ at $182, which is at or below the typical price

Main Themes

Main Themes

History & Culture

88% of options are historical, 74% are cultural

Languages

Languages

5 languages offered

English, French, Afrikaans, Portuguese, and German

35 Products

Cradle of Human Kind & Lion & Rhino Park Tour Full day Tour Private

Cradle of Human Kind & Lion & Rhino Park Tour Full day Tour Private

5.8 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (10 reviews)
95.62%
4.38%
flawlessgreat tourgreat day out
Viator
$249
Book now
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Cradle of Human Kind & Lion & Rhino Park Tour Full day Tour Private
Summary

Take a deep dive into the history of humankind, then learn about lions' biology and behavior on this multi-stop tour from Johannesburg including the Cradle of Humankind and the Lion Park. Logistically, this multi-stop day tour would be a hassle to arrange on your own, but this organized adventure ta...

Inclusions
  • Water
  • Entrance fees
  • Driver / Guide
  • pick up from hotel and drop off back to hotel
Exclusions
  • Gratitude
  • Soviniar (available for purchase)
Itinerary
  • The Cradle of Humankind
  • Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves & Apartheid Museum

Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves & Apartheid Museum

8 hrs
5 (12 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$148
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Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves & Apartheid Museum
Summary

Full day tour from Johannesburg. Visit the Cradle of Humankind, explore the fascinating Sterkfontein Caves and experience the moving history at the Apartheid Museum.

From Johannesburg: Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari

From Johannesburg: Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari

9 hrs
4.97 (37 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$220$232
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From Johannesburg: Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari
Summary

Take a full-day tour to the Cradle of Humankind, situated just outside Johannesburg and Pretoria. Visit the Lion Park, the Sterkfontein Caves, and Maropeng.

Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg

Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg

10 hrsFree cancellation
4.93 (71 reviews)
94.64%
5.36%
excellentrecommendexcellent experience
Viator
$232
Book now
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Cradle of Humankind Tour with Lion Safari from Johannesburg
Summary

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Lion and Safari Park and the Cradle of Humankind. Begin your adventure with a thrilling Two-hour open-vehicle safari through the lion enclosure, witnessing these majestic creatures roam freely in their natural habitat. As you explore the Five Dome Shopping Cen...

Inclusions
  • Entrance fees
  • Driver/guide
  • Transport from your hotel in airconditioned vehicle
Exclusions
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Other souvenirs (available to purchase)
Itinerary
  • Johannesburg
  • Lion and Safari Park
  • Sterkfontein Cave
  • Maropeng Visitor Centre
  • The Cradle of Humankind
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Not recommended for participants with back problems or people who suffer from claustrophobia.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Cradle of humankind & Maropeng/sterkfontein caves tour

Cradle of humankind & Maropeng/sterkfontein caves tour

5 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.93 (14 reviews)
95%
5%
Greatterrific dayvery interesting
Viator
$109
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Cradle of humankind & Maropeng/sterkfontein caves tour
Summary

Fun,smile,affordable,liable,knowledgeable,experience,the offers a great chance to learn about the type of rocks find in the caves,the fossils discovered in the caves as well as how the fossils end up in the caves..a tour not to be missed

Inclusions
  • All Fees and Taxes
Itinerary
  • The Cradle of Humankind
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Johannesburg: Lion Park Safari and Cultural Village Tour

Johannesburg: Lion Park Safari and Cultural Village Tour

1 day
4.84 (13 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$218
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Johannesburg: Lion Park Safari and Cultural Village Tour
Summary

Join a guided tour from Johannesburg and head to the Cradle of Humankind. Enjoy a game drive through the Lion Park reserve and visit Lesedi Cultural Village to discover the tribes that make up South Africa.

Pretoria/Sandton: Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves

Pretoria/Sandton: Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves

4 hrs
4.72 (93 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$93
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Pretoria/Sandton: Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves
Summary

Explore the UNESO-listed Cradle of Humankind, visit the third-largest cave chamber in the country, and learn about ancestral remains.

Johannesburg: Cradle of Human Kind & Lesedi Cultural Village

Johannesburg: Cradle of Human Kind & Lesedi Cultural Village

8 hrs
4.75 (35 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$217
Book now
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Johannesburg: Cradle of Human Kind & Lesedi Cultural Village
Summary

Visit both the Cradle of Humankind and Lesedi Cultural Village in a single guided excursion from Johannesburg, with hotel transfers and entrance fees included.

Cradle of Humankind Tour:Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng Experience

Cradle of Humankind Tour:Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng Experience

7 hrsFree cancellation
4.62 (129 reviews)
89.96%
10.04%
Fantasticgreat guideinformative tour
Viator
$146
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Cradle of Humankind Tour:Sterkfontein Caves & Maropeng Experience
Summary

The Cradle of Humanity, located just outside of Johannesburg, is one of South Africa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This unique site offers tours that provide insights into the origins of humankind in Africa. Visitors can learn firsthand what it means to be human by viewing the numerous fossils foun...

Inclusions
  • Hotel drop-off
  • Driver/guide
  • Hotel pickup
Exclusions
  • Drinks
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch
Itinerary
  • The Cradle of Humankind
  • Sterkfontein Cave
Good to know
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Cradle Of Humankind, Lesedi Cultural Village & Lion's Park

Cradle Of Humankind, Lesedi Cultural Village & Lion's Park

8 hrs
4.68 (10 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$247$275
Book now
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Cradle Of Humankind, Lesedi Cultural Village & Lion's Park
Summary

Experience the Cradle of Humankind, vibrant Lesedi Culture, and thrilling Lion & Safari Park — all in one unforgettable day!

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Cradle of Humankind.

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
Learn more

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

5.4 km away • from $88

Aha Lesedi Cultural Village
Learn more

Aha Lesedi Cultural Village

14 km away • from $117

Hartbeespoort Dam
Learn more

Hartbeespoort Dam

22 km away • from $240

Liliesleaf
Learn more

Liliesleaf

30 km away • from $171

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Based on the 490 pooled reviews we compared across booking platforms, the experience is highly regarded with an average rating of 4.48★. Reviewers frequently describe the tours as informative and excellent, often highlighting the knowledgeable nature of the guides.

Among the 36 tour and ticket options we compare, prices typically range from $125–$526. While most options fall within the $139–$210 bracket, you can find various experiences depending on the level of customization and duration.

The duration of these experiences varies significantly depending on the itinerary. Most tours last around 7 hours, but the options we compare range from as little as 4 hours to full-day experiences lasting up to 17 hours.

Yes, a portion of the available listings are specifically for private groups. Of the options we compare, 7 (19%) are private tours, which may suit travelers looking for a more tailored or intimate experience.

To accommodate international travelers, tours are offered in 5 different languages: English, French, Afrikaans, Portuguese, and German.

While most tours can be booked in advance, we found that only one (3%) of the options we compare is flagged as likely to sell out. However, booking ahead is still a good idea to secure your preferred time slot.

Flexibility varies by provider, but 14 (39%) of the options we compare offer free cancellation. Additionally, 14 (39%) of the listings provide instant confirmation, making them a convenient choice for last-minute planning.

Allocate at least a full day. Maropeng takes a few hours, while the cave tours require additional time for guided walks.

No, guided tours are mandatory for safety. Guides manage lighting and ensure visitors stay on safe paths within the caves.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers. The caves remain at a constant cool temperature regardless of the weather outside.

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve5.4kmAha Lesedi Cultural Village13.7kmHartbeespoort Dam22.1kmHarties Aerial Cableway24.7kmLiliesleaf30kmSoweto35.8kmMandela House37.2kmJohannesburg Zoo37.2kmConstitution Hill39.2kmOld Fort Prison Complex39.2kmNelson Mandela Bridge39.4kmHillbrow Tower39.4km
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