Cradle of Humankind and Lion and Safari Park Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria

Johannesburg , South Africa

Cradle of Humankind and Lion and Safari Park Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria

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(6 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Travel the footstep that will take you back in time by visiting the UNESCO site, The Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind tour will take to the Strekfontien Cave tour for a cave tour and also visit the Maropeng visitor center and also the Lion and Safari Park.

Tour Highlights

1. Close encounter with wildlife

2. Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria to the Cradle of Humankind, including Lion and Safari Park, Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng

3. Information about the evolution

4. Explore the Strekfontien Caves

Available options

Cradle of Humankind and Lion and Safari Park Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Local guide

Private tour

Professional guide

Tour escort/host

Round-trip private transfer

Driver/guide

Lunch

Round-trip shared transfer

Port pickup and drop-off

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

Transport by private vehicle

What you'll see

You driver/guide will come and collect you at your choice of residence and around the hotels around Johannesburg and Pretoria including Sandton and visit the Cradle of Humankind and Lion and Safari park. On arrival at the Lion and Safari Park you'll be taken on a safari vehicle to view Lions and other wildlife including wildogs and cheetahs. The Lion and Safari Park is a 600 hectare wilderness reserved situated in the Hartebeespoort, Magaliesburg and Cradle of Humankind area. The park offers guests an incredible opportunity to meet many of South Africa’s most iconic animals. The Lion and Safari Park offers a wealth of exciting activities for the whole family. You have the opportunity to observe one of the Africa's Big 5 - The lion and other animals like the Brown Hyena, Wild dogs, Cheetahs and general games like Zebras, Gemsbok, Girrafes and many more. The tour will take up to 4 hours. Then we travel to the Cradle of Humankind.

On arrival at the Cradle of Humankind you'll be taken of a tour of the Sterkfontien caves underground tour then visit the Maropeng visitors center. The Cradle of Humankind covers about 47 000 hectare land. Three million years of human activity have taken place in and around these caves, including man’s earliest-known mastery of fire, and forty percent of the entire world’s human ancestor fossils have been found here. You can discover the area yourself, by taking your own custom-made tour of the area. The biggest and best-known of the caves is Sterkfontein, where over 500 hominid fossils and over 9 000 stone tools have been found. It was at Sterkfontein that two major finds were made, that have changed modern paleontology: Mrs. Ples and Little Foot.

Maropeng, which is a Setswana word meaning ‘returning to the place of our origins’, takes visitors on a fun and informative journey of discovery using spectacular methods to tell stories of the evolution of life and the origins of humankind. It denotes the universal relevance of the Cradle of Humankind as the ancestral home of all, no matter what colour, culture or creed.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Minimum drinking age is 18 years

Important notes

• Not recommended for participants with back problems

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and bustling urban energy. The city's nickname, 'City of Gold,' originates from its roots in the gold-mining industry, and it offers a unique blend of modern attractions and historical landmarks.

Top Attractions

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum is a powerful and moving experience that chronicles the history of apartheid in South Africa. It's a must-visit for understanding the country's past.

Historical 2-3 hours R95 (Adults), R75 (Children)

Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City is a theme park built on the site of a former gold mine. It offers a mix of thrilling rides, historical exhibits, and entertainment.

Entertainment Full day R350-R500 (Adults), R250-R350 (Children)

Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries, including some of the oldest hominid fossils.

Historical Half day to full day R200-R300 (Adults), R150-R200 (Children)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, originally created by Indian immigrants. It's a popular street food in Johannesburg.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Braai (BBQ)

A traditional South African BBQ, featuring grilled meats like boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and chicken.

Dinner Meat-based, vegetarian options limited

Bobotie

A Cape Malay dish made with spiced minced meat and topped with an egg custard. It's a unique and flavorful South African specialty.

Dinner Meat-based, vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Cradle of Humankind Game drives in Pilanesberg National Park Hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg Spa treatments in Sandton Picnicking at Zoo Lake Wine tasting in the nearby wine regions Visiting the Apartheid Museum Exploring Soweto

Best Time to Visit

September to November and March to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and lower rainfall. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Ndebele, Southern Sotho
Widely spoken: English, Zulu, Afrikaans
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220-240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Johannesburg has a reputation for high crime rates, but many visitors enjoy safe and rewarding experiences by taking necessary precautions. Stick to well-populated areas, avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious with valuables.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

OR Tambo International Airport • 22 km from city center
Lanseria International Airport • 35 km from city center

By train

Park Station, Johannesburg Station

By bus

Park Station, Ellis Park

Getting around

Public transport

Rea Vaya is the city's public bus system, offering affordable and efficient transport. It has dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Sandbox Rosebank Braamfontein

Day trips

Pilanesberg National Park

250 km from Johannesburg • Full day

Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).

Soweto

20 km from Johannesburg • Half day

Soweto is a historic township known for its role in the anti-apartheid movement. It offers a unique glimpse into South Africa's past and present.

Cradle of Humankind

50 km from Johannesburg • Half day to full day

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries, including some of the oldest hominid fossils.

Festivals

Johannesburg International Film Festival • Late October to early November Johannesburg International Motor Show • Even years, typically in October Africa Day Celebrations • May 25