The continent of Africa is known as the “cradle of humanity” because it is where our early human ancestors first evolved. More specifically, the term “Cradle of Humankind” refers to one place in particular: Sterkfontein.
Located 41 km west of Johannesburg, South Africa, this place is among three major fossil sites (Kromdraai and Swartkrans being the other two) in the Gauteng province that are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous early hominin remains have been found at Sterkfontein over the last few decades, including Australopithecus, early Homo and Paranthropus.
For many years, Sterkfontein has been the only publicly accessible large cave in the “Cradle of Humankind,” attracting between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors a year. However, due to major flooding, it closed for nearly three years but has once again reopened to tourists with an immersive experience.
Here’s all you need to know about the Sterkfontein Caves.
The geological history of the Sterkfontein Caves spans 2.5 billion years, from when the rocks that gave birth to the caves formed. The limestone caves are rich in pure calcium carbonate stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones—materials that were used by various industries in rapidly growing Johannesburg in 1896. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, lime-mining activity became widespread in the area. During this time, anyone could visit the mining areas around the caves and collect fossils that were thrown away. Large dumps of the unwanted cemented cave sediment—called breccia—that contained fossils were left behind.
In 1936, palaeontologist Robert Broom was given the first adult fossil of Australopithecus by Sterkfontein's quarry manager. Broom continued collecting fossils at the caves until mining ended in 1939, returning only in 1947 with John Robinson, another palaeontologist.
One of the first major discoveries here was that of “Mrs Ples,” the most complete skull of an Australopithecus africanus from South Africa that dated back to more than two million years ago. Although smaller than Homo sapiens, Australopithecus africanus is regarded as one of our early ancestors because it walked upright. In 1997, a complete hominid skeleton called “Little Foot,” also found in the Sterkfontein caves, was introduced to the world.
The site contains six distinct geologic “members.” From Member 2 came a beautifully preserved skeleton dating to approximately 3.3 million years ago. In Member 5 (1.5 to two million years ago) occurred specimens attributed to Homo habilis as well as possible remains of the “robust” Paranthropus robustus. Stone tools were conspicuously absent from levels associated with Australopithecus africanus (Members 2 and 4), but, during the time of Member 5, tools were abundant.
As of April 1, 2024, the University of the Witwatersrand, through its Faculty of Science, is responsible for all research and visitor operations at the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans Caves.
The exhibition centre inside the Sterkfontein Caves features a life-sized osteological reproduction of “Little Foot,” alongside a temporary exhibit featuring other significant discoveries. “Mrs Ples” is also housed at the on-site museum. Fossil technicians demonstrate how the sediment of the caves is carefully sifted in search of skeletal remains.
The Maropeng Visitor Centre nearby is the official visitor centre of the “Cradle of Humankind” site. Here, visitors can see fossils, learn about how humanity’s birth, view stone tools that are up to one million years old and much more.
Beyond this, the “Cradle of Humankind” offers a host of outdoor facilities and activities, including hot-air ballooning and horse trails.
Take a flight to O R Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg via Abu Dhabi, Doha or Dubai. From the airport, take a taxi or book a rental for the approximately 75 km (one-hour) drive to Sterkfontein.
