Adventure - Caving

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The World Heritage Site, known as ‘Cradle of Humankind’, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. It lies 45 minutes from both Johannesburg and Pretoria and contains numerous fossil sites. It is possible to visit the 3 most prolific fossil sites within the World Heritage Site, namely Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Drimolen. In turn they are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd richest fossil hominid sites in southern Africa. Since 1947 great scientific discoveries have been a breakthrough in the search for the origins of humankind.

The Sterkfontein Caves, found in a dolomite hill, are one of the richest and most productive palaeo-anthropological sites in the world. Amongst the most remarkable findings to date is the famous ‘Mrs Ples’, the first complete Australopithecus skull to be discovered in 1947. In 1999 ‘Little Foot’, an estimated 3.3 million-year-old almost complete apeman skeleton, was also discovered in the same caves and is still under excavation.
Swartkrans has yielded the largest sample of Australopithecus robustus. Amongst some of its notable finds are the first evidence for the co-existence of 2 hominid species living at the same time and the earliest evidence for the use of fire in the world.
Drimolen was only discovered in 1992. In April 2000 the most complete female Australopithecus robustus skull along with a complete male jaw , made world headlines. This site has unearthed 79 hominid fossils, a wealth of faunal remains and some fossil Homo babies. As the site is being excavated all year round, it provides an excellent opportunity to see an excavation in progress.

More than 500 hominid fossils, thousands of animal fossils, over 300 fragments of fossil woods and over 9000 stone tools have been found in the 12 explored sites with more being discovered.

(a) Sterkfontein Caves, Krugersdorp, Gauteng: 2005

Guided Public Tours:	Duration: 45 Minutes on the ½ hour from 09h00 to 17h00 Tuesdays to Sundays
Per Person Rates:	US$ TBA per adult / US$ TBA per child 5-14 years
Includes:	Entrance Fees / Transport excluded, available at surcharge
Validity:	TBA

Rates subject to currency fluctuations & unforeseen price increases.

At a depth of 40 meters is a perfectly calm underground lake with crystal clear water is believed by local tribes to have mystical powers and medicinal curative properties.

(b) Palaeo-Anthropological Tours of Sterkfontein Caves with the Fossil Sites of Swartkrans & Drimolen:

While visiting Johannesburg, why not spend a half or full-day on an exciting and unique adventure into our own distant past? We offer the rare opportunity to tour some of the world's most important and richest pre-human fossil sites. These include the sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Drimolen.

This tour will provide you with an experience completely different from any you have ever had, an experience that you will not soon forget, an experience that very few countries in the world are able to offer you…

General Information pertaining to all Private Tours
Fitness Level:	Suitable for both energetic & more sedentary persons
Recommended Clothing:	Comfortable clothes, shoes & hats / Sunscreens recommended / Cameras permitted
Includes:	Luxury air-conditioned microbus return transfers from Johannesburg or Pretoria with registered SATOUR Driver-GuideLecture fees by professional palaeontologistDonation to Univ. of the Witwatersrand for research & site upkeepMorning and/or afternoon refreshments
Validity:	TBA

Guided Private Tour (A):	Duration: Half Day (5 Hours) – Tuesdays to Sundays Any Time
Participant Numbers:	Minimum 2 Persons / Maximum 40 Persons
Sites Visited:	Swartkrans & Drimolen or Sterkfontein & Drimolen
Per Person Rates - Group rates on request	2 Persons	TBA	TBA
	3 Persons	TBA	TBA
	4-7 Persons	TBA	TBA
Also Includes:	Entrance Fees to Two Sites

Guided Private Tour (B):	Duration: Full Day (8 Hours) – Tuesdays to Sundays 08h30
Participant Numbers:	Minimum 4 Persons / Maximum 40 Persons
Sites Visited:	Sterkfontein, Swartkrans & Drimolen
Per Person Rates - Group Rates on Request	4 Persons	TBA	TBA
	5-6 Persons	TBA	TBA
Also Includes:	View original fossils such as Mrs. Ples. Very few are so privileged! Catered Picnic Lunch Entrance Fees to Three Sites
Rates subject to currency fluctuations & unforeseen price increases.

(c) Wonder Caves, Krugersdorp, Gauteng: 2005

Guided Tours:	Daily every hour from 08h00 to 17h00 / Duration - One hour Weekends - last tour departs 16h45
Per Person Rate:	US$ TBA per adult / US$ TBA per child 3-12 years / Infants no charge
Validity:	TBA
Rates subject to currency fluctuations & unforeseen price increases.

Located in the Kromdraai valley, the Wonder Cave boasts an enormous single chamber which one enters by elevator. Rimstone pools, cave pearls, stalagmites, stalagtites and mushroom formations are found within the huge cavern. The caves have been dated at 2.2 billion years.