The Cradle of Humankind: A Real South African Wonder
From all the amazing sites and destinations South Africa, or maybe more importantly, the world, has to offer, I really believe that the Cradle of Humankind should be within the top ten. This world-famous heritage site is located approximately 50 kilometres from Johannesburg and consists of 47 000 hectares of mostly privately owned terrain. This site hosts approximately 17 000 residents who earn a living from the 400 attractions around the heritage site, varying from restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts, arts and crafts stores and wildlife establishments.
The Cradle of Humankind provides an amazing, never-to-be-forgotten encounter for national and foreign visitors. It is known as one of the wealthiest sources of information for experts, research workers and archaeologists alike. It’s also recognized for its economic development and job creation opportunities.
The Cradle of Humankind was first proclaimed a World Heritage site in 1999 because of the area’s excellent contribution to our understanding of the history of humankind. Just about the most famous fossil site in South Africa, the Sterkfontein caves, can also be found on this site. Many of the most popular fossils on the planet were discovered inside the Sterkfontein caves, like “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”. More than a third of early Hominid fossils ever found originated from the Sterkfontein caves: this is definitely something South Africa can be proud of.
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is also popular for a number of different adventure activity opportunities and hotels existing around it. Amongst these activities are mountain climbing, kloofing, abseiling and zip lining, an activity that allows you to travel from platform to platform on metal cabling, while viewing the animals and area below you. Some of the hotels most famous in this area would be the Forum Homini Boutique Hotel, the Cradle Guesthouse, Mount Grace Country Lodge and Spa and Valley Lodge.
It really is hard to believe that some 2.5 billion years ago, according to scientists, this area was an inland shallow sea. The water evaporated with time and the mud created dolomite rock. Some 3.5 million years back, openings of the caves started showing and a few researchers think that they may have been populated by sabre-toothed cats and other predators. The remains of enormous herbivores found in these caves may be evidence of predators occupying these caves. Some other ancient caves like Plover’s Lake and Wonder Cave have also produced remains of rodents, frogs, lizards and birds and they are still being explored today.
It is difficult to, while walking around and exploring this area, comprehend the age of the sites as well as the incredible importance of the knowledge they have brought forward through the fossil finds. The Cradle of Humankind offers South Africans, tourists from around the globe, researchers, researchers, archaeologists, believers and non-believers a different kind of wealth: a wealth that only our past can provide us with: the treasure of heritage and origin. A trip to this information-rich World Heritage Site will make you a richer, wealthier individual. I am willing to take a bet on that.
For more information on cradle of humankind visit our site on http://www.forumhomini.com
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