Kromdraai, Magaliesberg
Kromdraai falls within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, proclaimed such by UNESCO in 1998. It’s one of the most famous valleys in the world filled with palaeontological sites rendering ancient relics of mankind that are millions of years old.
Other famous caves and sites include the Wonder Cave, Sterkfontein, Swartkrans (previously closed to the public) and the surrounding area. Most of the hominid remains are found in dolomitic caves, similar to Kromdraai, encased in a mixture of limestone and breccia, providing perfect conditions for fossilisation over time. A delightful word derived from Afrikaans meaning ‘crooked turn’, Kromdraai is both a protected conservancy, not far from Krugersdorp and Johannesburg, and also refers to one particular fossil-bearing cave, just 2 kilometres east of Sterkfontein.
Well over 500 hominid fossils, thousands of animal fossils, some 9000 stone tools and over 300 fragments of fossil wood have been found across the sites that include Kromdraai. Since late 2005 the Maropeng visitors centre has welcomed people interested in this fascinating history of mankind to the World Heritage Site. This unspoilt, largely rural part of Gauteng, just outside Johannesburg, is one of the city’s greatest attractions.
The old Kromdraai goldmine, one of the initial goldmines on the Witwatersrand, dates back to 1881 - some time before Johannesburg’s gold reef was discovered - and provides hourly guided tours for those interested in the history and geology of the mine.
Related Links
Featured Attractions in (or near) Kromdraai
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind Site comprises a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossillised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. The dolomite in which the caves formed, started out as coral reefs growing in a worm shallow sea about 2.3 billion years ago ... more information
Heia Safari Game Reserve
The 650 ha Game Reserve is nestled at the foot of the Swartkop Mountains, where game found their home in African bushveld. On our 1.5 hours guided game drive find peace and tranquillity by watching 22 varieties of South African Wildlife. Game you can expect to see at Heia Safari Ranch include ... more information
Nooitgedacht Nature Reserve
An hours drive from Johannesburg, Pretoria or Rustenburg you will find the 20,000 ha / 5000 acre Nooitgedacht Nature Reserve. Game drives in open safari vehicles allow for excellent game viewing. The more than 20 different species of game include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest... more information
Plumari Game Reserve
Plumari Ranch Game Reserve comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of over 2000 hectares. The ranch boasts an amazing natural African bushveld with an abundance of wildlife. Guests can expect to see leopard and expect to see white rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck... more information
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
Set in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve lies roughly 40 kilometres north-west of Johannesburg; a chance to see white rhino, lion, buffalo, hippo and other species of game up close and within half an hour of the major metropolis. If you get to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve... more information
Related Links
Things To Do in Kromdraai
Wow at the Wonder Cave
Where: Kromdraai
How much (per person): R1 to R100
Wander through the wonderland of Wondercave. 87 Footsteps lead you one step at a time down to an eccentric elevator or abseil adventure that ... more information
Related Links
On Holiday in Kromdraai
• Kromdraai Accommodation
• Kromdraai Hotels
• Magaliesberg Accommodation
• Magaliesberg Hotels
• Gauteng Accommodation
Visiting Kromdraai?
Also see Things To Do in Magaliesberg or check out Things To Do in Gauteng to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
- Introduction to Gauteng
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Search by Map
- Gauteng Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring the Gauteng Province
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
- Out and About
- Südafrika Reise
Für Deutsche Besucher
Suedafrika-Reise.net bringt Ihnen das umfangreichste Angebot an Links, um Südafrika zu "bereisen": hier und jetzt auf Ihrem Bildschirm.
Urlaub in Johannesburg
