The Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site, is located remarkably less than an hour from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, and yet feels eons away from the big city. The rolling hills covered in swishing grass and the nearby Magaliesberg are enough to make the Cradle of Humankind a worthy destination for tourists and city dwellers seeking peace and tranquillity.

Besides its serenity, the Cradle of Humankind has produced some of the most prolific fossils of human ancestors on earth. In addition, some of Gauteng’s best accommodation, restaurants, outdoor attractions, wedding, conference, arts and culture, wildlife and other venues are located in and around Gauteng’s only World Heritage Site. The Cradle of Humankind and its surrounds are easiest to explore by car as the World Heritage Site extends over 53 000 hectares, so distances to the different attractions vary.

For visitor orientation the Cradle of Humankind boasts a world-class visitor centre in Maropeng and along with the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves (R563 Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein), provides visitors with an exciting overview of the area’s great fossil discoveries and the extent of the site’s World Heritage.