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The Sterkfontein Caves form part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site and is located in Gauteng, one hour’s drive from Johannesburg in the Muldersrift area close to Krugersdorp.

The archaeological sites of Swartkrans, Kromdraai and Wonder Cave are all located in the same area 10km from Maropeng.

The caves are owned by the University of Witwatersrand who have scientists on site continuously working, gathering and analysing fossil finds of the area. The site was donated to the university by the Stegmann family as it is located on their farm, The Isaac Stegmann Reserve.

This site’s claim to fame does not only come from the phenomenal finds but also for being the longest continuous paleo-anthropological dig in the world.

Sterkfontein Caves Visitor Centre

The design of the centre was inspired by the caves themselves and at the end of the tour of the caves visitors walk along a walkway that leads along several excavation sites. The visitor will also be able to observe laboratories in operation with scientists examining fossils. The centre offers the following:

  • Conferencing facilities
  • Easy access to the caves themselves
  • Modern walkways and board walks 
  • Restaurant
  • Scientific exhibition
  • Tours deep into the caves themselves

History

The excavation of this site began in 1890 but it was not until 1936 that Professor Raymond Dart and Dr Robert Broom from the University of Witwatersrand began to intensify the excavations and the site yielded the hominid find. Little foot and Mrs Ples were the famous fossils to come out of this site. Sterkfontein has been classed the biggest provider of hominid fossils with a total of 500 to date and the work continues.

Booking 

Booking is essential as the maximum number per tour is 30.

Visiting hours

  • Monday to Sunday, 09h00-16h00 ( tours run every half hour)
  • Closed, Christmas Day

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