From Johannesburg: Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari

Johannesburg, the vibrant heart of South Africa, serves as the gateway to a captivating day-long excursion that immerses visitors in the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Gauteng region. This comprehensive tour combines the awe-inspiring Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an exhilarating safari experience at the Lion and Safari Park. Uncover the fascinating story of human origins, explore the mysterious Sterkfontein Caves, and witness the majestic wildlife of Africa in their natural habitat. With seamless transportation and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching and unforgettable journey for both the curious explorer and the seasoned adventurer.

Key Points

• This guided day tour from Johannesburg offers pickup and drop-off services from multiple locations across Gauteng, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

• The full-day itinerary includes a game drive at the Lion and Safari Park, a visit to the Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre Maropeng, and an exploration of the Sterkfontein Caves.

• At the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can experience interactive multimedia exhibits and guided tours that showcase the story of human origins.

• The tour includes a 1.5-hour guided exploration of the Sterkfontein Caves, where visitors can discover fossilized remains of early hominins and extinct mammals.

• The open-vehicle safari at the Lion Park allows visitors to observe lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs in their natural habitat, witnessing their behaviors and adaptations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup and drop-off services from 9 locations across Gauteng, including Sandton, Krugersdorp, Midrand, Kempton Park, Pretoria, and Centurion.

Travelers can choose from these convenient pickup spots, making it easy to start and end the day-long adventure.

The tour then drops participants off at the same locations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

With multiple pickup and drop-off points, the Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari tour caters to visitors across the greater Johannesburg area, allowing them to explore these remarkable sites without the hassle of transportation.

The flexible logistics make this tour an attractive option for both locals and travelers alike.

Full-day Tour Itinerary

Spanning a duration of 9 hours, this small-group tour commences with a 1-hour van transfer to the Lion and Safari Park, where participants embark on a 2.5-hour game drive and wildlife viewing experience.

Next, the group travels for 40 minutes to the Sterkfontein Caves, where they’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour and sightseeing.

The tour then proceeds to the Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre Maropeng, where a 70-minute guided tour and sightseeing experience awaits.

Finally, the group returns to their starting point via a 1-hour van transfer.

The tour highlights include:

1. An open-vehicle safari through the Lion Park with a local guide.
2. A 1-hour tour of the Sterkfontein Caves.
3. Learning about human ancestry at the Maropeng Visitor Center.

Visit to the Cradle of Humankind

After the safari experience, the tour takes participants on a 15-minute van ride to the Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre Maropeng. Here, they’ll embark on a 70-minute guided tour to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the rich history of human evolution.

Feature	Description
Exhibits	Multimedia exhibits that bring the story of human origins to life
Interactive Activities	Hands-on activities that allow visitors to engage with the content
Knowledgeable Guides	Experienced guides who provide in-depth information and answer questions
Panoramic Views	Stunning vistas of the surrounding Cradle of Humankind landscape

The Maropeng Visitor Centre offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the fascinating world of human ancestry and the evolution of our species.

Exploring the Sterkfontein Caves

Immediately following the visit to the Maropeng Visitor Centre, the tour group embarks on a 40-minute van ride to the Sterkfontein Caves, a renowned archaeological site at the heart of the Cradle of Humankind.

A local guide leads the group on a 1.5-hour tour through this vast underground cave system, exploring three key areas:

1. The ‘Genesis Chamber’, where the fossilized remains of early hominins known as ‘Mrs. Ples’ and ‘Little Foot’ were discovered.
2. The ‘Silberberg Grotto’, a cathedral-like cavern featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
3. The ‘Elephant Cave’, where the bones of extinct mammals and the tools used by ancient humans have been found.

The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into human evolution and the rich scientific legacy of the Cradle of Humankind.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Maropeng Visitor Center Highlights

The Maropeng Visitor Center showcases the rich history and evolution of humanity within the UNESCO-recognized Cradle of Humankind. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that trace the origins and development of early hominins, providing an engaging and informative introduction to this remarkable world heritage site.

The center’s highlight is the Tumulus Building, an impressive human-made mound that houses multimedia displays on human ancestry, including the famous Australopithecus fossil discoveries. Through these exhibits, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Cradle’s significance as the birthplace of humanity, learning about the scientific evidence and theories that have shaped our understanding of our species’ evolutionary journey.

The Maropeng Visitor Center offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience that complements the tour’s exploration of the nearby Sterkfontein Caves.

Open-vehicle Safari at Lion Park

Aboard the open-vehicle safari, guests can expect an up-close encounter with an array of iconic African wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs, all roaming freely within the expansive confines of the Lion Park.

The guided tour allows visitors to observe the majestic predators in their natural habitat, providing a thrilling and immersive experience.

Highlights of the safari include:

1. Seeing lions lounging in the shade or patrolling their territory.
2. Witnessing cheetahs’ incredible bursts of speed as they hunt.
3. Observing the pack dynamics of the park’s resident wild dogs.

Throughout the safari, the knowledgeable guide offers insightful commentary, sharing fascinating facts about the animals’ behavior and adaptations, creating a truly memorable encounter with South Africa’s wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Beyond the exhilarating open-vehicle safari, the Cradle of Humankind tour offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to view an array of captivating wildlife native to the region.

The Lion Park, located within the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a variety of majestic animals, including lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. During the guided game drive, participants can witness these powerful predators in their natural habitat, observing their behaviors and movements up close.

The tour also provides visitors the chance to see other iconic African species, such as zebras, giraffes, and a diverse range of antelope. This unique wildlife experience complements the tour’s exploration of the Sterkfontein Caves and the Maropeng Visitor Center, offering a well-rounded adventure in the heart of South Africa’s cradle of humanity.

Inclusions and Exclusions

In an article titled ‘From Johannesburg: Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari’, the inclusions and exclusions of the tour package are as follows:

The tour package includes pickup from multiple locations, a knowledgeable driver/guide, a 1-hour open-vehicle safari in the Lion Park, a 1-hour guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves, and access to the Maropeng Exhibition Center.

However, it excludes any extra activities or meals during the excursion.

The tour provides the opportunity to:

1. Witness lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs up close in their natural habitat.
2. Explore the Sterkfontein Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about human ancestry.
3. Visit the Maropeng Exhibition Center to deepen understanding of the Cradle of Humankind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as the inclusions do not cover lunch. However, bottled water is provided during the tour. Check with the tour operator for any restrictions on outside food and drinks.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Tour?

Visitors should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and casual, weather-appropriate clothing. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and any necessary medications. A small backpack or bag is recommended to carry personal items during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children of All Ages?

The tour is suitable for children, but parental discretion is advised. Young children may find the safari and cave tour challenging. The guided tours and visitor centers are generally accessible for children of all ages with proper supervision.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration can be extended, but customers should check with the tour operator. Most tours have set itineraries and schedules, so extending the duration may not be possible or may incur additional costs.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour operator does not currently offer any discounts or special offers. Prices remain fixed at their standard rate. Customers may want to check the website or contact the operator directly for any potential promotions or deals that become available.

Recap

The Cradle of Humankind and Lion Safari tour from Johannesburg offers an immersive exploration of the region’s cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Participants can discover the fascinating story of human origins at the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Visitor Centre, and then embark on an exciting safari to observe iconic African wildlife.

This comprehensive day-long adventure provides a seamless and enriching experience for visitors to the Gauteng region.

You can check if your dates are available here: