Located about 50km northwest of Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is a great place to learn more about history and human evolution. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to limestone caves which carry a rich fossil record for human evolutionary studies.
The area is a popular tourist attraction and it is not hard to see why. Here are a few things to do in and around the Cradle of Humankind.
Maropeng Visitor Centre
Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind (Image: Getaway Gallery)
Maropeng is the official visitors’ centre for the Cradle of Humankind. It focuses mainly on the development of humans and showcases in-depth detail pertaining to how humans lived using spectacular storytelling methods. If you’re searching for a fun, interesting and educational experience, this is the place to be. A tour of the centre is suitable for the whole family. After the fascinating history lesson, there are a wide range of activities and facilities to enjoy around the Cradle. These include horse riding and a number of restaurants.
Contact: 014 577 9000
NIROX Sculpture Park
Image: Sourced
The NIROX Sculpture Park is where the beauty of art meets that of nature. It is home to striking works of art which are found among grassy fields, waterways, lush trees and winding pathways.
Image: Getaway Gallery
Upon visiting the park, you can admire more than 50 permanent and long-term installations by different artists from across the globe. The park is also ideal for picnics, so bring your basket along.
Contact: [email protected]
Lesedi Cultural Village
Image: Sourced (Lesedi Cultural Village)
Located among the rocky hills of the Cradle of Humankind, the Lesedi Cultural Village presents an immersive exploration of South Africa’s diverse ethnic backgrounds. You can visit five traditional homesteads inhabited by Xhosa, Zulu, Basotho, Ndebele and Pedi tribes.
An experience at the village will provide insight on the different tribes and their traditional ways of life. Furthermore, you can enjoy some cultural performances, storytelling and a taste of scrumptious traditional dishes.
Address: R512, Lanseria, 1739
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