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| Home / Articles / Culture and Heritage / World Heritage Sites - The Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai & Environs |
| World Heritage Sites - The Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai & Environs |
“Homer’s what?” the kid behind me says, looking gleefully at his Bart Simpson t-shirt.
The Archaeological wonder of Sterkfontein (Strong Spring) is a series of limestone caves in the Gauteng Province, a must-see for lovers of culture and heritage.
Once upon a time, over 2 billion years ago, coral reefs died off and transformed into limestone, later dolomite, and some million years on, caves were formed. The caves contain fossils of plants, animals and Sterkfontein is home to the largest number of early hominids (not Homers, but family of two legged primates including extinct and living humans) in the world. These sites have uncovered priceless scientific information on the human evolution dating 3.5 million years! The 47000 hectare area is collectively and aptly called Cradle of Humankind.
In 1947 an almost complete skull of an Australopithecus africanus, the famous Mrs. Ples, (now Mr. Ples!) was found by Robert Bloom, estimated to be just under 3 million years old. Ongoing excavations also yielded a 4.17 million-year-old ‘Little Foot’ skeleton. Maropeng Centre has boat rides to the underground lake, interactive displays and exhibits, making your exploration of the Cradle of Humankind an even richer one. A visit to Sterkfontein can leave one feeling humbled by the age of our planet and mankind.
“Can we see the Homers again?” the blonde kid tugs at his mother’s sleeve as I leave. Give him time.
Cave/fossil sites:
Sterkfontein caves;Kromdraai; Coopers cave; Plovers Lake Cave; Wonder Cave; Swartkrans;Drimolen;Bolt's Farm;Gondolin; Gladysvale, Haasgat.
5 Other cave and fossil sites in South Africa:
Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn
Sudwala Caves - Nelspruit and Graskop
Westcoast Fossil Park - Langebaan
Mapungubwe Fossils – Mapungubwe (World Heritage Site)
Karoo National Park- Beaufort West
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| Safari information that may interest you: |
Culture and Heritage in South Africa
List of World Heritage Sites in South Africa
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