HOME  /  Visit & Experience

WHAT TO EXPERIENCE

Discover the Cradle

STONES & BONES

Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors

The Sterkfontein Caves and Swartkrans fossil sites offer a journey into early human history. The Maropeng Visitor Centre — official visitor centre of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site — hosts world-class exhibitions tracing humanity from the earliest life forms to the present day, including an underground boat ride through time.

01 · CATEGORY
Stones & Bones
02 · ATTRACTION PAGE
Maropeng Visitor Centre →
03 · USEFUL ACTION
View contact, hours and directions →
  • Sterkfontein Caves — site of Mrs Ples and Little Foot
  • Swartkrans — Paranthropus robustus fossils
  • Maropeng Visitor Centre — confirm current hours before travel
  • Underground boat ride through geological time
  • Interactive fossil exhibitions
  • Research access for accredited scientists

Attractions in Stones & Bones

Open an attraction page for visitor information, direct venue contact and official planning links.

Maropeng Visitor Centre

A visitor centre and exhibition experience within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, connecting the fossil landscape with the long story of human development.

Explore Other Experiences

Adrenaline Pumping

Thrill seekers welcome

Wildlife Wonders

The Magaliesberg comes alive

Wine & Dine

An unrivalled gastronomic experience

Culture & Craft

Discover South Africa’s living heritage

Spend the Night

Sleep beneath an African sky

Township

Living heritage of the West Rand

Ready to visit?

Check visitor information, plan your route, or get in touch with the relevant attraction.

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

© 2026 Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site · All rights reserved