The Sterkfontien cave system, about 12km north of Krugersdorp in Gauteng, is the site of some of the most important discoveries concerning human evolution.

The limestone deposit at the surface, from which the first fossils were recovered, was formed by the collapse and infilling of a cavern as it became exposed by erosion. Underlying the old quarry is an extensive system of younger caves containing an underground lake and many limestone formations, part of which is open to tourists.

The Palaeo-Anthropological Research Unit at the Unitversity of the Witwatersrand has been excavating at Sterkfontein continuously since 1968, and more than 550 hominid fossil specimens have been found. For the year 'Mrs Ples' was the best specimen of A. africanus. However, towards the end of 1998, an entire australopithecine skull together with its skeleton was discovered by Dr Ron Clarke, in an underground cavern beneath the surface excavations.

Owing to its great age (between about 3.2 and 3.5 million years) and completeness, this is regarded as the most important fossil find in South Africa since the Taung skull.

One hour guided tours are conducted on the half hour from Tuesday to Sunday

Call the caves on (011) 956-6342 for information and bookings

Tourist information:
Gauteng Tourism Authority Tel:
(011) 327-2000

West Tour
(011) 692-2128

North West Parks and Tourism Board
Tel:(018) 386-1225