Sterkfontein Caves

The Sterkfontein Caves are one of South Africa’s most important and fascinating paleoanthropological sites. Located about 40 km northwest of Johannesburg, near Krugersdorp in Gauteng province, these limestone caves are part of the UNESCO-recognized Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Known as the “Strong Spring” caves in Afrikaans, they have preserved an extraordinary fossil record that has reshaped our understanding of human evolution.

How to Reach Sterkfontein Caves, Krugersdorp

The caves are located on Kromdraai Road, Muldersdrift, about 9.5 km northwest of Krugersdorp :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. By car, travel via the N14 from Johannesburg, exit onto the R563/Kromdraai Road, then follow signs to the caves. The site offers free parking :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Public transport involves taking Gautrain to Krugersdorp and then a taxi or ride-hailing service :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Weather at Sterkfontein Caves

The region has a subtropical highland climate. Summers feature frequent thunderstorms with average annual precipitation of 650–750 mm, while winters are dry and crisp :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Temperatures can range from −12 °C to 39 °C, but inside the caves, the climate stays steady at about 20 °C :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Timings of Sterkfontein Caves

The caves are open Tuesday through Sunday, from 09:00 to 16:00, with guided tours departing hourly and the last tour at 16:00 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. The site is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, and sometimes New Year’s Eve :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Tours last about 60–90 minutes :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Why Sterkfontein Caves is Famous

Sterkfontein is world-renowned for its rich fossil discoveries. It has yielded remains of Australopithecus africanus (like the skull "Mrs Ples") and an almost complete skeleton known as "Little Foot" :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. This site alone has produced around 500 hominin fossils, making it one of the richest paleoanthropological reserves globally :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. These finds solidified the idea of Africa as the cradle of mankind.

Entry and Visit Details

**Admission fees**: Adults R150; Children (6–18) R125; under 6 free (max two per adult); Pensioners R100; free entry on one’s birthday with ID :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. Combined tickets with Maropeng are available :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. Most visitors book online via Webtickets, though onsite purchase is possible :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

History and Architecture

The caves were recognized in the late 19th century by lime miners :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}. Formal excavations began in 1936 under Dr. Robert Broom, who discovered "Mrs Ples." The site has been under continuous exploration since 1968 by the University of the Witwatersrand :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}. Sterkfontein was declared a National Heritage Site in 2004 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Things to Do at Sterkfontein Caves

• Guided Cave Tour: Navigate through natural chambers like the Silberberg Grotto, Tuff Chamber, and subterranean lake, while learning about geological formations and ongoing excavations :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Museum & Display Centre: Exhibits feature palaeobotany, stalactites, early mammals, and lifelike hominin models illustrated by John Gurche :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Timeline Walk: Enjoy outdoor wooden boardwalks overlooking excavation sites and the surrounding Cradle of Humankind scenery :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Fossil Prep Lab: Observe paleontologists working on excavated fossils :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Restaurant on Site: Post-tour refreshments include local snacks and light meals :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

Interesting Facts

• "Mrs Ples" dates back ~2.1 million years, while "Little Foot" is over 3 million years old :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Over 500 early hominin fossils have been discovered here :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• The cave’s internal temperature remains constant at 20 °C :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Home to 16 species of bats and wasps like Belonogaster petiolata, plus other wildlife in surrounding grasslands :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and a National Heritage Site in 2004 :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.

Tips for Visiting

• Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes and comfortable clothes :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Bring a torch for better visibility :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.
• Reserve in advance, especially during holidays; phone ahead to confirm availability :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}.
• Avoid if claustrophobic, have asthma or mobility challenges :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}.
• Leave oversized bags behind; helmets are mandatory :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}.
• Check weather conditions; tours are suspended during heavy rain due to slippery or flood risks :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}.
• Combine your visit with Maropeng Visitor Centre for a richer experience :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}.
• Extend your trip into the Cradle of Humankind: visit Nirox Sculpture Park or take hot air balloon rides :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}.