Sterkfontein is the richest site in the world for fossils of Australopithecus, a lineage of hominid that appeared over 4-million-years ago

One of the richest ancient fossil sites in the world, this Unesco World Heritage Site contains a third of the world's hominid fossils.

Covering 47 000 hectares, the Cradle of Humankind site comprises of a series of dolomite limestone caves containing fossils of ancient animals and hominids.

The Sterkfontein Caves, situated about 10km from Krugersdorp, produced the first adult Australopithecine fossil in 1936. 'Mrs Ples' is estimated to be between 2,8 and 2,6-million-years-old. Since then another 500 hominid fossils have been uncovered, making Sterkfontein the world's richest hominid site. Wooden and stone tools have also been discovered. Recently Dr Ron Clarke uncovered a near complete skeleton of a 3,3-million-year-old Australopithecus, nicknamed 'Little Foot'.

About 1,5km north of the Sterkfontein Caves, Kromdraai is known for the first discovery of Paranthropus robustus, a more heavily-built hominid who lived between 1 and 1 million-years ago. The remains of three different types of sabre-toothed cats have also been uncovered at Kromdraai.

Swartkrans 'apeman'

Nearby, Swartkrans has revealed fossils dating back between one and two million years, including Australopithecus robustus and Homo ergaster. The site is particularly important because fossilised hearths point to early man's use of fire. Remains in the cave's limestone walls suggest that apemen and early man cohabited.

Wonder Cave is open to the public

The enormous Wonder Cave, 2,5km from Kromdraai, is believed to be 2,2-million-years-old. It contains drip stone formations and is home to a bat colony. Well-lit pathways have been constructed to allow the public access to the site.

Excavation has only recently started at Drimolen, 1,6km west of the Wonder Cave, and already it is the third richest fossil hominid site. The youngest hominid fossils ever found were unearthed here, including infants. The finds include Paranthropus robustus skulls and more than 50 samples of ancient human and apeman remains.

Fossils of Sabre-toothed cats have been found at Bolt's Fram

Bolt's Farm, 2,5km southwest of Sterkfontein Caves, has produced fossils of elephants, pigs, sabre-toothed cats and antelope. Some fossil rodents date back 4.5 million years, making these the oldest specimens in the Cradle of Humankind site.

Other discoveries at sites in the area include:

• Coopers B - A face of a robust apeman
• Plover's Lake - one-million-year-old faunal specimens
• Gladysvale - 3-million year old hominid, fauna and plant remains
• Gondolin - 90 000 fossil specimens
• Haasgat - fossils of an early forest

Sterkfontein Caves: Opening times Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 4pm. Tours start every half hour.
Entrance fees: R12 for adults and R5 for children
Tel: (011) 956-6342

Wonder Caves: Open everyday from 8am to 5pm
Entrance fees: R25 for adults and R15 for children. Tours start every hour on the hour.
Tel: (011) 957-0106

For more information contact the Cradle of Humankind:
Tel: (011) 355-1348/1900
P. O. Box 8769, Johannesburg, 2000, Gauteng, South Africa
E-mail: cradleofhumankind@gpg.gov.za
Website: www.CradleOfHumankind.co.za

The rest of the World Heritage Site is accessible only through specialised tour groups:

The Palaeo-Anthropology Scientific Trust offers tours of Sterkfontein prehistory sites (helicopter of motor car):
Tel: 011-486-3083

Palaeo tours
Tel/Fax: (011) 837-6660
E-mail: palaeotours@mweb.co.za

Other things to do:
Within easy reach of Pretoria and Johannesburg, the mountains and woodlands of the Magaliesburg are home to a variety of birds. Hiking paths, horse and mountain bike trails offer a chance to enjoy the natural beauty up close.
Web site: http://www.magaliesburg.co.za/

The nearby Hartebeespoortdam offers opportunities for para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.
Web site: http://www.linx.co.za/hartbeespoortdam/

The Lesedi Cultural Village, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, includes a collection of traditional family units housing elders, wives and children from various southern African tribes.
Tel: (012) 205-1394

The Crocodile Ramble meanders through the region, passing art and craft studios, restaurants and nurseries.
Tel: (011) 662-2786
Web site: www.crocodileramble.co.za

See the Magaliesburg and Hartebeespoort from the air with Bill Harrop's Balloon Safaris.
Tel: (011) 705-3201/2

Country Horse Trails offers one hour to three-day trails through the Magaliesburg.
Tel: (012) 205-1113

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is nearby private game reserve with lion, rhino, cheetah, buffalo, wild dogs and 20 other species.
Tel: (011) 957-0044

For fishermen, Valley Fly Fishing Club has two trout dams.
Tel: (011) 957-2559

Places to stay:
The Cradle
Tel: (011) 6591622

Misty Hills Country Hotel
Tel: (011) 957-2099

Hippo Guest Lodge
Self-catering cottages
Tel: (011) 659-0234