What to Expect

Sterkfontein Caves is more than a place to visit—it's a place to experience history firsthand. Whether you're a history lover, a science enthusiast, or an adventurer seeking something extraordinary, this journey through time will leave you in awe of the world beneath your feet.

Step into the depths of the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves, where every step takes you millions of years back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just a cave—it's a portal to the past, revealing some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in human evolution. Famous for the 2.4-million-year-old "Mrs Ples" skull and the nearly complete 4-million-year-old "Little Foot" skeleton, Sterkfontein has yielded thousands of fossils that continue to reshape our understanding of early humans.

Yet, fossils are only the beginning. Descend deep into an underground labyrinth, where early hominins once sought shelter, and stand at the very excavation sites where scientists are still uncovering new fossils and early stone tools. Feel the cool subterranean air as you navigate the cave's twisting pathways, where soft golden light illuminates towering stalactites and stalagmites, each formed over millions of years. Imagine the echoes of the past as you walk through prehistoric chambers that once resonated with the movements of giant baboons, long-legged hyenas, and sabre-tooth cats, now lost to time.

But the adventure doesn't end underground. Back above the surface, your journey continues through the breathtaking landscapes of the Cradle of Humankind. Follow scenic trails that wind through the same terrain our ancestors once roamed, and explore interactive exhibits that bring science to life. See fossils still embedded in rock, hear firsthand from experts about the latest discoveries, and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible story of human evolution.

Walk in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors. Stand where scientists continue to make groundbreaking discoveries and experience an active excavation site like no other.

The Prep Lab

Visit of the newly developed public-facing fossil laboratory where the technical team, postgraduate students, and researchers work to clean, sort, document and catalogue fossils from numerous sites in the Cradle of Humankind.

Temporary Exhibit

In our newly developed temporary exhibition space, visitors, Dr Matt Caruana and the technical team will see some of the most iconic finds from Sterkfontein and Swartkrans, including one of only two full casts of the Little Foot skeleton – the most complete early hominin yet discovered, and the brand new discoveries from the Swartkrans Cave, including the first complete leg of a Paranthropus. The ongoing, cutting-edge research will be highlighted in this exhibit.

The Museum

In our small museum, Sterkfontein guides will lead visitors through the story of the first discoveries at the caves and some of the iconic fossils of the Cradle of Humankind.