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Interactive Heritage Map
Explore all 26 sites across the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site — fossil sites, visitor facilities, research facilities, conservation areas, geological features, rivers & wetlands, biodiversity areas, community areas and tourism. A fully interactive, filterable map is in development; in the meantime, browse every heritage site below, grouped by type.
All Heritage Sites
Sterkfontein Caves
Fossil Site
One of the richest hominin fossil sites on Earth and home to “Little Foot” and “Mrs Ples”. Sterkfontein has produced more than a third of all early hominin fossils ever found.
Swartkrans
Fossil Site
Evidence of early hominin behaviour including tool use and the controlled use of fire; coexistence of Paranthropus robustus and early Homo.
Kromdraai
Fossil Site
The type site for Paranthropus robustus, where the first specimen was discovered in 1938.
Bolt's Farm
Fossil Site
A complex of fossil-bearing cave sites producing important faunal remains.
Minnaars Cave
Fossil Site
A fossil-bearing cave site within the Cradle landscape.
Cooper's
Fossil Site
Has produced fossils of both Australopithecus and Paranthropus.
Malapa
Fossil Site
Discovery site of Australopithecus sediba in 2008 by Lee Berger and his son Matthew.
Haasgat
Fossil Site
Important primate and faunal fossils from approximately 2 million years ago.
Gladysvale
Fossil Site
The first new hominin fossil site discovered in the Cradle in 48 years (1992).
Gondolin
Fossil Site
Deposits dating from approximately 1.8 million years ago.
Goldsmith's
Fossil Site
A fossil-bearing cave site contributing to the record of the Cradle.
Plover's Lake
Fossil Site
Fossil remains including later Homo sapiens material.
Mosetse
Fossil Site
A fossil site within the Cradle landscape.
Lepelong
Fossil Site
A fossil site within the Cradle landscape.
Wonder Cave
Tourism
One of South Africa’s most spectacular show caves, with a massive underground chamber.
Rising Star Cave
Fossil Site
Site of the discovery of Homo naledi in 2013.
Maropeng Visitor Centre
Visitor Facility
The official award-winning visitor centre for the World Heritage Site.
Cradle Nature Reserve
Conservation
A protected area conserving the unique bushveld ecosystem.
Bloubank River
Rivers & Wetlands
A significant waterway flowing through the Cradle.
Magaliesberg Range
Geological
One of the oldest mountains in the world, forming the northern boundary.
Sterkfontein Research Station
Research Facility
The on-site research and fossil-preparation facility supporting excavation at Sterkfontein.
Hominin Research Field Laboratory
Research Facility
A field laboratory for documentation and analysis of new discoveries.
Cradle Grassland Biodiversity Area
Biodiversity Area
A protected highveld grassland and bushveld mosaic.
Bloubank Valley Wetland Habitat
Biodiversity Area
A riparian habitat supporting amphibians, waterbirds and riverine vegetation.
Kromdraai Community Precinct
Community Area
A community area supporting local enterprises and heritage tourism.
Maropeng Community Hub
Community Area
A gateway community area offering local crafts and cultural experiences.
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CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
A 52,000-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site — the richest hominin fossil record on Earth.
26°0′S · 27°44′E
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