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Sterkfontein Caves

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Historical site
—°9
Sterkfontein Caves (South Africa)

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The Sterkfontein Caves, located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind northwest of Johannesburg, are among the world's most productive and important paleo-anthropological sites. The caves achieved global prominence through the discovery of numerous hominid fossils that have provided critical insights into human evolution over millions of years. Most famous among these finds is the 1947 discovery of 'Mrs. Ples,' an Australopithecus africanus skull found by Robert Broom, and the nearly complete 'Little Foot' skeleton, estimated to be about 3.67 million years old. The cave system comprises a series of limestone chambers formed by the erosion of ancient dolomite rock. In 1999, Sterkfontein was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its universal cultural significance. Beyond fossils, the site has yielded early stone tools, marking the dawn of primitive technology. A state-of-the-art visitor center features extensive exhibits on the development of life and our ancestral lineage. Guided tours take visitors deep into the subterranean passages, often passing active research areas where excavations continue to this day. Sterkfontein remains a vital center for international scientific inquiry into our origins.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232221171411101418212222
Rain mm11989724916836165182123

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Sterkfontein Caves are open to the public and can be visited on a guided tour. The underground chambers are walkable, but the fossil sites are protected.
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Typical hours
The caves are typically open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with last tours at 4 pm. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the caves without flash, but it may be restricted in some areas. Flash can damage sensitive fossils and rock art.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the guided cave tour. Additionally, you can explore the visitor center and museum for another 30 minutes.
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Combine with
The Sterkfontein Caves are part of the Cradle of Humankind, so a visit to the Maropeng Visitor Centre is worthwhile. Nearby Wonder Cave and Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve are also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The caves are about 50 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg, reachable by car or organized tours. Parking is available on site, and public transport is limited.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes as the cave paths can be damp and slippery. Bring a light jacket as it is cool underground.

Geography

Coordinates
-26.01500, 27.73440

Facts

  • Date of the 'Mrs. Ples' discovery: 18 April 1947.
  • Estimated age of the 'Little Foot' skeleton: 3.67 million years.
  • Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
  • The caves are located approximately 50 kilometers from Johannesburg.
  • The site has produced more than 500 individual hominid fossils.
  • It is the longest continuously running archaeological excavation in the world.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cradle of HumankindCradle of Humankind9 km · NExplore →
MagaliesburgMagaliesburg19 km · WExplore →
Hector Pieterson MemorialHector Pieterson Memorial30 km · SEExplore →
Walter Sisulu Botanical GardensWalter Sisulu Botanical Gardens30 km · SEExplore →
SowetoSoweto31 km · SEExplore →
Croc City Crocodile ParkCroc City Crocodile Park32 km · EExplore →
Alice Lane TowersAlice Lane Towers33 km · EExplore →
MagaliesbergMagaliesberg33 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sterkfontein Caves (9)

Paardekraal Monument🏺 historical

Erected in 1891, this prominent stone monument commemorates the site where thousands of Boers gathered to take a historic vow to regain their independence.

Cooper's Cave🌿 nature

This prominent fossil-bearing cave is internationally famous for yielding crucial hominid remains, most notably fossils of Paranthropus robustus.

Makiti - Wedding and Function Venue📍 landmark

Known for its landscaped gardens and elegant banquet halls, this scenic estate serves as a premier venue for large weddings and private functions.

Sterkfontein📍 landmark

Designated as a major heritage site, this internationally renowned limestone cave system produced the famous Australopithecus africanus skull known as "Mrs. Ples".

Kromdraai Conservancy🌿 nature

This pristine nature reserve protects the dolomitic landscapes and diverse flora surrounding some of the world's richest paleoanthropological fossil sites.

Maropeng Cradle of Humankind🌿 nature

Functioning as the expansive reserve surrounding the official visitor centre, this landscape protects a vast network of subterranean limestone caves filled with hominid fossils.

Maropeng Cradle of Humankind Museum. The Tumulus building🏛 museum

Architecturally designed to resemble a giant, grass-covered ancient burial mound, this iconic museum houses an interactive exhibition detailing the origins and evolution of humankind.

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Sterkfontein Caves🏛 museum

Beneath the exhibition center lies a deep limestone cave system, famous not only for its stalactite formations but as the discovery site of the near-complete "Little Foot" hominid skeleton.

Kromdraai🏺 historical

This specific paleontological excavation pit earned international acclaim in 1938 when Robert Broom discovered the very first type specimen of Paranthropus robustus here.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are the caves accessible to everyone?
Tours involve some narrow spots and stairs, not suitable for limited mobility.
Do you need a ticket?
Yes, tickets for the guided tour should ideally be booked in advance.
What should you wear?
Comfortable shoes with good grip are important for the cave tour.
Is there a restaurant there?
Yes, at the Sterkfontein location, there is catering for visitors.
How long does the tour take?
A tour takes about one hour.
Sterkfontein Caves: where is it located?
Sterkfontein Caves is located in South Africa.
Sterkfontein Caves: what is there to see?
Highlights include Paardekraal Monument, Cooper's Cave, Makiti - Wedding and Function Venue.
Sterkfontein Caves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.
Sterkfontein Caves: why is it worth visiting?
The Sterkfontein Caves, located in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind northwest of Johannesburg, are among the world's most productive and important paleo-anthropological sites.
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