Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
Museum at Maropeng Visitor Centre © 
"Formation of early life" display © 
Fact or scientific foolery? You decide. Either way, a visit to the Maropeng Vistor Centre is well worth doing © Meraj Chhaya, LicenseMaropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is the official visitor site for the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Gauteng, South Africa. This award-winning center offers a fascinating journey into the origins of humankind, showcasing the rich paleoanthropological history of the region. The Cradle of Humankind is one of the world's most significant fossil sites, known for the discovery of ancient hominin remains, including the famous Australopithecus africanus and Homo naledi fossils. Maropeng, which means "returning to the place of origin" in Setswana, is the gateway to understanding humanity’s evolutionary journey.
At the heart of Maropeng is the exhibition area, which is housed inside an impressive, modern structure resembling a burial mound. The exhibits inside the center trace the development of Earth, life, and humanity over millions of years. Visitors are introduced to key scientific concepts, including evolution, climate change, and the significance of the fossils discovered in the nearby Sterkfontein Caves. The experience includes interactive displays, informative videos, and fossil replicas, providing a comprehensive understanding of human evolution.
A highlight of the Maropeng experience is the underground boat ride, which takes visitors on a sensory journey through Earth’s four classical elements: water, air, fire, and earth. This captivating ride is designed to mimic the dynamic processes that shaped the planet over billions of years. The journey emphasizes the changes in the Earth's environment and life forms, leading to the eventual emergence of early hominins. This unique experience combines education with entertainment, making it enjoyable for all age groups.
Adjacent to the visitor center are various outdoor attractions, including beautiful walking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby Sterkfontein Caves, which are accessible from Maropeng, offer guided tours where visitors can explore the famous underground cave system where many of the region’s important fossils were unearthed. Together, the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves offer an unparalleled exploration of South Africa's rich heritage, providing insight into the origins of humanity in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
Contact Details for Maropeng Visitor Centre:
Location: R400, just off the R563, Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: +27 (14) 577 9000
Email: see website
Website: https://www.maropeng.co.za
Operating Hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 (last boat ride at 16:00). The Sterkfontein Caves are also open for tours, typically from 09:00 to 16:00.
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an essential stop for those interested in the origins of humankind, combining educational content with an immersive experience. Whether you're a student of archaeology, a family looking for a fun outing, or a tourist exploring South Africa, Maropeng offers a captivating journey through the history of life on Earth.
Accommodation Near Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
Ziggy's River Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hekpoort
12.2km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengZiggy's River Cottage offers self catering on the banks of the Magalies River. Get away for a romantic weekend, spoil your sweetheart in our fully- equipped unit on the banks of the Magalies River and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Mountain. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Den's View
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hekpoort
12.2km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengDen's View offers self catering on the banks of the Magalies River near Hekpoort in Gauteng. Den's View Garden Flat (sleeps 2). Get away for a romantic weekend, spoil your sweetheart and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Mountain. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Eco Retreat
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hekpoort
12.3km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengThe Eco Retreat is a 3 bedroomed self-catering country house (sleeps 6) located in the Hekpoort valley on Gauteng's West Rand. Nestled between the Magaliesberg and Witwatersberg mountains along the banks of the Magaliesriver. Natural bush surrounds the pr …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Nullarbor Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Magaliesburg
14.1km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengNullarbor Cottages offers self catering accommodation in Magaliesburg, on Gauteng's West Rand. Nullarbor Cottages comprises 10 self catering cottages, seven of which have corner Jacuzzi spa baths, two with shower only and one with Victorian Ball and Claw …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Patrys Paradys
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Magaliesburg
20.1km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengPatrys Paradys offers self catering accommodation in a Maanhaarrand in the Magaliesburg area of Gauteng's West Rand. We offer 3 self catering options: Farmhouse (sleeps 14) and 2 chalets (sleeps 6 in each). If you are ready for a good rest, calm... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Monchique Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Muldersdrift
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La Bastide Guest House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hartbeespoort
21.4km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengLa Bastide Guest Cottages provide 'French country' style self catering cottages in Skeerpoort in the Hartbeespoort Dam area in the North West Province. La Bastide offers 3 'French country' style self catering cottages and 6 additional guest rooms. Each of …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ma-Ria's Farmhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Magaliesburg
21.7km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengMa-Ria's Farmhouse offers an authentic self catering farm stay in the Magaliesburg area. (Farmhouse sleeps maximum 13 people in 5 bedrooms) (Additional Garden Flat sleeps 4). Located near Maanhaarrand at the foot of the Magaliesburg mountains nestled... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Venue Country Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Hartbeespoort
25.9km from Maropeng Visitor Centre - Cradle of Humankind, GautengThe Venue Country Hotel is located along the popular Magaliesberg R512 route (Pelindaba Road) between Johannesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam. Just 12km past Lanseria International Airport, the hotel offers guests gorgeous views of the Magaliesberg mountain... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Shangrila Innibos - Tented Camps & Camping
Caravan or Camping Accommodation in Hartbeespoort
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- Hekpoort (9.48km)
- Sterkfontein (Krugersdorp) (10.69km)
- Protea Ridge (11.42km)
- Tarlton (11.68km)
- Kromdraai (11.96km)
- Magaliesburg (12.02km)
- Hartebeeshoek (12.95km)
- Honingklip (15.20km)
- Steynsvlei (15.98km)
- Noordheuwel (17.59km)
- Mogale City (17.68km)
- Krugersdorp (17.68km)
- Skeerpoort (17.81km)
- Elandsvlei (18.54km)
- Monument (18.82km)
- Sterkfontein Caves - Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng (8.67km)
- Tarlton International Raceway - nr Krugersdorp, Johannesburg (9.59km)
- Cradle Of Humankind World Heritage Site - Gauteng (10.39km)
- Bothongo Wonder Cave - nr Krugersdorp (10.91km)
- Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve - nr Krugersdorp (12.69km)
- Chris Pattons Ceramics - Krugersdorp, Gauteng (18.22km)
- Silverstar Casino - Krugersdorp, Johannesburg (19.37km)
- Cradle Moon Lake - nr Krugersdorp, Johannesburg (19.48km)
- The Crocodile Ramble - Tourist Route, West Rand (19.67km)
- Ngwenya Glass Village - Muldersdrift, West Rand, Johannesburg (19.75km)
