The Cradle Of Humankind
Located at a site northwest of Johannesburg, is the home to the oldest hominid fossils ever found.
Aptly named The Cradle of Humankind, the 80-square-mile series of sweeping African desert plain, is an extremely valuable archaeological area, providing us with information on the prehistory of early humans.
A third of all early hominid fossils ever found come from this area. This includes the extraordinarily complete “Little Foot,” an Australopithecus prometheus skeleton.
It expected that there are more archaeological treasures to be found. The caves contain an underground lake that has never been fully explored.
The hazardous subterranean network has already seen to the death of one diver, however future expeditions to explore the lake are planned.
The Maropeng Visitor Center is located close by. The small museum provides details of the history of the area. Visitors also have the opportunity to view several fossil examples of mankind’s earliest ancestors, as well as excellent photographic exhibitions and other historical artifacts.
