Palaeo Tours

About Palaeo Tours

We regret these tours are no longer available.

The Cradle of Humankind, just outside Johannesburg in the South African province of Gauteng, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an integral part of the study of humankind. In fact, it is known around the world for its contributions to archaeology and anthropology. Today, it continues to invite people from all over the globe to discover the ancient gems that lie in the heart of the earth.

Palaeo offers tours to visitors, revealing the most abundant and significant fossil sites in the world in terms of the believed origin of mankind. These tours are conducted for groups and individuals by knowledgeable scientists. The experts, who comprise palaeo-anthropologists and archaeologists, are equipped to give plenty of information and insights regarding the fossils that have been discovered here and what this means for the everyday person.

Some of these fossils were first discovered in 1936. Since then, this area has proven to be a real treasure trove of remains. These dolomitic caves have been open to the public to explore with the guidance of Palaeo since 1997, and include a peek into the private Drimolen site, which is one of the richest in the entire southern African region.

Thanks to the close relationship between the tour providers, Palaeo, and the scientists involved, these tours are special and unique in their commitment to the facts coupled with the sheer adventure of exploring the land mass.

Sterkfontein is one of the best known of the fossil sites and was the spot at which the world-famous Mrs Ples and Little Foot fossils were found. The underground tour of this cave is a popular choice, since it is particularly rich in fossilised finds. Swartkrans is another cave in which tools made from bone and stone have been discovered, and Coopers Cave is the spot in which an array of wildlife once lived, according to the records of their fossil remains.

There are full-day and half-day tours available, depending on the amount of time you have available. The starting times are somewhat flexible to accommodate visitors.