The Cradle Of Humankind – A World Heritage Site In Our Backyard
The Cradle of Humankind was named a world heritage site in the late 1990s but how many of us locals have been there? This fascinating destination is only approximately half an hour out of the north-western suburbs of Johannesburg however to quite a few of the city’s population it’s still an undiscovered gem. Maybe the proverb of overlooking what is under one’s nose can be said to have applied in the past yet times are changing fast. The Sterkfontein area, where several prehistoric fossils have been found, is no longer merely an attraction for archaeologists; these days it is a thriving tourist spot. Folks come from everywhere to discover the secrets of this captivating area and to enjoy its hospitality.
Even if you are not one of those people who’s enthralled by history, the Cradle of Humankind is a charming place to pay a visit to from the perspective of natural beauty. Usually when one thinks of Gauteng, the towns of Pretoria (its main city) and Johannesburg (the City of Gold) spring to mind, and whilst both these towns have a rich history and specific ethnic flavor, they are business hubs as opposed to tranquil getaway destinations. The Cape province features Table Mountain and fynbos, and Kwazulu Natal has The Midlands, however Gauteng has until recently been lagging behind in the ‘natural wonder’ stakes, not for the reason that it lacks natural marvels but because the province has traditionally been recognised for its social history and industrial prowess rather than its appearance. The Cradle of Humankind is a feather in the cap of Gauteng and should not be underestimated, not merely in terms of its relevancy to mankind, but because of its unspoilt magnificence. It’s a world heritage site, after all.
Because the Cradle of Humankind is so near to modern civilisation, it is easy to take an excursion there. However, should you wish to stay awhile, there are numerous different types of accommodation options available; from bush camping sites to four- and five-star boutique lodges. Game estates are another feature of this bountiful area where you can enhance your breakaway with some game watching. It is wonderful to be able to observe see game like kudu, zebra and hippo, to name only a few, in their natural surroundingst, as well as a wide variety of bird and insect species. The area is also a great location to have conventions and company breakaways because it offers isolation without skimping on the amenities.
No matter what your reason for coming to the Cradle of Humankind you will be doing yourself a favour in the event you visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre. Here it is possible to find out all you ever wanted to learn about the cultural and historic significance of the region and acquire a clear understanding of why it is a world heritage site. Apart from the happenings at its educational center, Maropeng offers a variety of excursions and events on its calendar, which, combined with other pursuits like game drives and hot air ballooning provided around the vicinity results in a fun and educational encounter for any city slicker.
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