40 Acres Guest Farm
Magaliesburg
Savanna biome
Can support BirdLife South Africa
From R 4,150 a night
8 km away
Where to stay near Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)
Early human fossil sites
Gauteng, South Africa
Malaria-free
About Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site about an hour north-west of Johannesburg, a dolomite landscape of caves that has produced more hominin fossils than anywhere else on earth, including Mrs Ples, Little Foot and Homo naledi. Sterkfontein Caves can be visited on guided tours, and the Maropeng visitor centre tells the story. The hills around the caves are grassland with small private reserves, restaurants and country guesthouses, so it works as a day trip from the city or a quiet weekend base. It is malaria-free and combines naturally with Magaliesberg walks and the Cradle's own restaurants and craft breweries.
Things to do: Cultural tours · Heritage interpretation · Photography
Where you can stay: Camping · Chalets · Nearby B&Bs
Wildlife near Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)
What people record most across Gauteng. Past sightings, never a guarantee.
From iNaturalist records across Gauteng, not confirmed sightings inside this reserve.
Stay in & near Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)
Inside-park stays and nearby lodges, sorted by distance.
No stays are linked to Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind) yet. These are the closest ones we have, by straight-line distance from the park, so check the drive before you book.
Phefumula Country Retreat
Magaliesburg
Savanna biome · Meerkat
Can support BirdLife South Africa
From R 1,000 a night
12 km away
Teak Place Guest Rooms
Gauteng
Grassland biome
Can support BirdLife South Africa
Price on request
15 km away
Lesedi Cultural Village
Gauteng
Grassland biome
Price on request
27 km away
Dream Lodge
Magaliesburg
Savanna biome
Can support Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital
From R 450 a night
28 km away
The Pecan Cottage
Craighall Park, Johannesburg
Grassland biome · Jacaranda
Can support Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital
From R 1,200 a night
39 km away
Getting there
25.9703° S, 27.6610° E800 km from Cape TownOpen in Maps (opens in a new tab)
Why book here
Your stay helps keep Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind) wild
Wild places survive when the communities around them earn more from protecting wildlife than from anything that would replace it. Every stay you book through Spekboom carries a conservation contribution built into the price, never added on top, so choosing where you sleep becomes a way to fund the people and projects keeping this landscape intact.
- Built into every booking
- A conservation share
- Where it goes
- Local causes & communities
Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind): your questions
Where is Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)?
Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind) is in Gauteng, South Africa.
Is Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind) malaria-free?
Yes. Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind) is in an area recorded as malaria-free, which is why it is a common choice for families with young children and for a first safari. Malaria risk can shift with the season and the year, so confirm current advice with a travel clinic before you go.
What wildlife can you see near Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)?
In Gauteng, commonly recorded species include animals such as Southern African Hedgehog, Black Wildebeest, Blesbok, Serval and birds including Eurasian Bittern, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, based on iNaturalist occurrence data. These reflect the wider province, not confirmed sightings inside the reserve.
When is the best time to visit Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)?
The best time to visit Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind) is Mar-May, Aug-Oct.
What is there to do at Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)?
Popular activities at Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind) include cultural tours, heritage interpretation, photography.
Parks near Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind)
The closest parks and reserves. Distances run centre to centre, as the crow flies.
Part of
Other parks and reserves that share something with Fossil Hominid Sites (Cradle of Humankind).
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in AfricaMalaria-free parks and game reservesNational parks and reserves in South AfricaNature reserves and parks in GautengAll protected areas
