Maropeng
Cradle of Humankind
About 10 kms away from the world famous Sterkfontein Caves, this world class visitor facility MAROPENG forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind. A must see for every visitor to the province, the centre has within it a visitor attraction which tells the story of the Cradle of Humankind and brings to live the history of Earth and humankind in entertaining, educative and interactive ways. Maropeng also offers restaurants, a market place, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a hotel.
The Tumulus contains a vast underground visitor attraction incorporating a sensory extensive display which immerses visitors in touching, hearing, feeling, seeing and experiencing the unique history of earth and humankind.
Within the visitor attraction lies an exciting 4-billion-year journey on an underground lake, through the elemental forces – water, air, fire and earth – dipping through waterfalls and real icebergs, into the eye of a storm, past erupting volcanoes and through the depths of the earth and emerging at the beginning of the world. From here, the journey continues through an experience highlighting the history of our world and humankind as a species, brought to life via audiovisual techniques, evocative sound effects, theme-park technology and theatrical displays. There are also real fossils on display at the visitor centre.
Children will delight in the interactive elements of the exhibits, which encourage them to experience rather than just observe our development as a species and the underlying message of the unity of humankind. It’s best to spend up to 2.5 hours within the Visitor Attraction, but one can spend up to half a day within the complex, or book specialist tours to the fossil sites including the world famous Sterkfontein Caves.
(Recommendation: combine with Sterkfontein) (Time required for combo: 5 hours)
| Duration | HALF DAY |
| Departure | 09H00 / 12H00 (suggested times) |
| Included | Entrance fees to Maropeng Museum. Services of a Tour guide, transport in a licensed, air-conditioned vehicle. |
| Excluded | Lunch, any items of a personal nature, tips, and or gratuities to guide |
| Choice Tours’ Price | 1 guest- R 2 550 , 2 guests- R 1 350 pp (25% discount for groups of 4 or more) |
| Time required
Bonus |
Ideally 4 hours; can be done in 3 1/2 hours
Spectacular views of the ‘highveld’ |