At Kromdraai and Sterkfontein, the expedition’s principle field sites, you will explore two of The Cradle of Humankind’s most significant palaeoanthropological landscapes alongside WITS researchers Prof José Braga, Dr Bernhard Zipfel and Dr Matt Caruana. Through their combined expertise and practical experience, you’ll gain first-hand insight into the excavation, recovery, interpretation and ongoing research surrounding the remarkable hominin and associated fossil record preserved within these sites.
The University of The Witwatersrand plays a central role in research and excavation at both localities, with significant fossil discoveries curated within the collections of the WITS Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI). During your visit to the Institute, Dr Bernhard Zipfel will provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes exploration of the Fossil Vault, offering an extraordinary opportunity to view original hominin specimens and discover how these rare fossils are preserved, documented and studied.
DAY 1: A Warm Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant and cosmopolitan city, where your Cradle of Humankind Hominin Fossil Expedition begins. On arrival, you’ll be met at O.R. Tambo International Airport and transferred towards the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, enjoy a first glimpse of Johannesburg and its fascinating contrasts – from its urban energy and contemporary architecture to its diverse cultures and rich heritage.
As the city gives way to open grasslands and the ancient dolomitic landscape of the Cradle, the journey begins to shift from modern South Africa to a landscape that preserves almost four million years of ancient hominin fossils.
Your first evening begins with a welcome dinner in the company of your lead researcher, Professor José Braga. It’s an opportunity to meet your fellow expedition members, settle into the journey ahead and gain your first insight into the remarkable palaeoanthropological discoveries that await you.
DAYS 2 – 6: The Kromdraai Excavation with Prof José Braga
For the next five days, you’ll be immersed in the scientific world of Kromdraai, one of the Cradle of Humankind’s most important fossil-bearing sites. Under the guidance of Professor José Braga and trained archaeological staff, you’ll gain first-hand insight into the meticulous methods and processes involved in recovering, recording and documenting fossils from an active excavation.
Your field experience will extend far beyond excavation itself. Depending on the work underway, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in fossil recovery, sediment sampling and sieving, site recording, theodolite and photogrammetric surveying, as well as the careful cleaning, sorting, measuring and marking of fossil material. The on-site fossil preparation laboratory provides an opportunity to continue the work beyond the excavation, offering a fascinating insight into the journey from fossil discovery and recovery to scientific analysis and interpretation.
Kromdraai is a remarkably rich fossil locality, and while discoveries can never be guaranteed, the possibility of encountering animal and hominin fossil material makes every day in the field exciting. The work is precise and often painstaking, but it is this attention to detail that enables researchers to reconstruct ancient environments, fossil assemblages and aspects of hominin diversity and adaptation preserved within the site.
Field days run from approximately 08h00 to 16h00, providing five full days to become immersed in the excavation, the science and the extraordinary fossil record of Kromdraai.
DAY 7: WITS Evolutionary Studies Institute & Origins Museum
From the Field to the Laboratory
After five days immersed in the Kromdraai excavation, today takes you behind the scenes at the University of The Witwatersrand (WITS), one of South Africa’s leading centres for palaeontological and palaeoanthropological research.
Your morning begins at the Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) with Dr Bernhard Zipfel, who will provide an exclusive introduction to the Laboratory, also known as the Fossil Vault. Here, you’ll encounter some of South Africa’s most important hominin fossil collections and gain insight into how these extraordinary specimens are curated, studied and preserved. Among the remarkable specimens represented within the collections are the Taung Child, “Little Foot”, Homo naledi and Australopithecus sediba.
The morning continues with a behind-the-scenes visit to the WITS Dinosaur Fossil Laboratory, hosted by Prof Jonah Choiniere, offering a fascinating perspective on the breadth of palaeontological research undertaken at WITS and the scientific work that takes place beyond the field.
After lunch at Olives & Plates at the WITS Club, the afternoon takes us to the Origins Centre, where Dr Tammy Hodgskiss-Reynard will introduce you to South Africa’s remarkable archaeological record, including evidence of ancient technology, symbolism, material culture and changing environments.
From Discovery To Interpretation
Today provides a fascinating contrast to your days in the field – following the journey of fossil and archaeological discoveries from excavation and recovery through to scientific research, preservation and interpretation.
DAY 8: The Cradle Boutique Hotel
A Weekend in the Ancient Landscape
After an intensive first week of excavation and scientific discovery, the weekend brings a welcome change of pace and scenery as you move to the Cradle Boutique Hotel, situated within the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve.
Begin the morning with an early game drive through this remarkable landscape, where the ancient geological setting of the Cradle provides a very different perspective on the environment you’ve been exploring throughout the week.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast before enjoying some well-earned time at your own pace. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or choose from a selection of additional experiences. You might explore the Malapa Museum, gaining further insight into the remarkable fossil record of the region, join a guided bush walk through the reserve, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the lodge and its surroundings.
In the afternoon, head out once again for a game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening – an opportunity to reflect on the discoveries, experiences and friendships of your first week in the Cradle.
Your Stay at The Cradle Boutique Hotel Includes:
- AM Activity: Two-hour game drive – Greater Cradle Nature Reserve.
- Overnight: Cradle Boutique Hotel – luxury tent, double/twin sharing, en-suite.
- Meals: Breakfast included | Lunch & beverages excluded | Dinner included | Beverages excluded.
DAY 9: Magaliesberg & The Cradle Landscape
From the Ancient Landscape to the Mighty Magaliesberg Mountain Range
An early rise for an exhilarating hot-air balloon safari over the Cradle of Humankind, offering a spectacular perspective across the ancient landscape you’ve been exploring. Following the flight, enjoy breakfast at the landing site before setting out towards the Magaliesberg region.
Your morning continues with an educational visit to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, a rehabilitation and breeding facility dedicated to the conservation of cheetah and other threatened African predators. The Centre is also home to endangered African wild dogs and the strikingly rare King Cheetah, providing an opportunity to learn about the challenges and successes of contemporary wildlife conservation.
After lunch at Silver Orange Bistro, continue to the Harties Cableway for a late-afternoon ascent of the Magaliesberg. From the summit, take in sweeping views across the dramatic mountain landscape and Hartbeespoort Dam, one of South Africa’s largest inland reservoirs.
Later, return to Kromdraai Guest House, where you’ll meet Dr Matt Caruana, who will introduce you to the next stage of your expedition and your upcoming exploration of the Sterkfontein Caves.
Today offers a welcome opportunity to experience the natural and contemporary conservation landscape surrounding the Cradle before returning to the scientific focus of the expedition. From above the ancient fossil landscape to the mountains of the Magaliesberg, the day provides a broader appreciation of the remarkable environment in which these palaeoanthropological sites are found.
The Magaliesberg Tour Day at a Glance:
- Early morning: Hot-air balloon safari over the Cradle.
- Breakfast: At the balloon landing site.
- Morning: Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre.
- Lunch: Silver Orange Bistro.
- Afternoon: Harties Cableway and Magaliesberg.
- Late afternoon: Transfer to Kromdraai Guest House.
- Evening: Introduction to the Sterkfontein programme with Dr Matt Caruana.
- Overnight: Kromdraai Guest House.
DAY 10, 11 & 12: Sterkfontein Caves With Dr Matt Caruana
Inside One of the World’s Great Hominin Sites
Your second field experience takes you into the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves, one of the most important palaeoanthropological sites in the world. Working alongside researchers and under the close guidance of Dr Matt Caruana, you’ll join current excavation and research activities while gaining insight into the geology, palaeontology and fossil record of this extraordinary site.
Your experience extends beyond the excavation itself. Two laboratory days form an important part of the programme, providing an opportunity to contribute to collections, documentation and taphonomic identification. Much of your time will be spent assisting with the careful sorting and identification of microfauna recovered from the site – small but scientifically significant fossils that help researchers reconstruct the animals and environments represented within the Sterkfontein record.
You’ll also enter the caves themselves with the research team, learning how the geological context of Sterkfontein has influenced the preservation and interpretation of its remarkable fossil record. The discoveries made here include hundreds of hominin specimens, alongside fossils of monkeys, antelope, carnivores and many other animals, providing an extraordinarily detailed record of the ancient environment.
These three days offer a rare opportunity to contribute to ongoing research while experiencing first-hand the painstaking work behind palaeoanthropological discovery. Field and laboratory days run from approximately 08h00 to 16h00.
The Sterkfontein Experience:
- Field activities: Current excavation activities, cave exploration, geological and palaeontological interpretation, fossil recovery and research support.
- Laboratory activities: Microfauna sorting, collections, documentation and taphonomic identification, subject to current research requirements.
DAY 13: Farewell To The Cradle
Celebrating the Experience
Your final morning brings one last opportunity to return to the field, with a half-day excavation at Kromdraai before enjoying lunch at the lodge and preparing to leave the Cradle of Humankind. In the late afternoon, we’ll leave Kromdraai and travel directly to Sanctuary Mandela in Houghton, Johannesburg, where we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner. After two weeks immersed in the landscapes, fossils and science of the Cradle, this final evening is a chance to celebrate the journey, share favourite discoveries and reflect on the experiences and friendships created along the way.
Following dinner, we’ll transfer to The Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton for your final overnight stay.
A final evening . . . A remarkable journey . . . And memories created to last a lifetime.
Your Last Day’s Activities:
- Morning: Half-day excavation at Kromdraai.
- Lunch: Kromdraai Guest House.
- Late afternoon: Transfer to Johannesburg.
- Farewell dinner: Sanctuary Mandela, Houghton.
- Evening: Transfer to The Da Vinci Hotel, Sandton.
- Overnight: The Da Vinci Hotel, Sandton.
DAY 14: Tour Africa Or Head Home
Every great expedition reaches its final chapter, but the spirit of discovery never truly ends. We hope that exploring the fossil landscapes of the Cradle, working alongside palaeoanthropologists and engaging directly with the science has given you a deeper appreciation of this extraordinary landscape and the remarkable questions that its fossil record continues to raise.
But South Africa’s story of deep time extends far beyond the Cradle. Perhaps your next expedition will take you into the fossil-rich landscapes of the Great Karoo, across the ancient archaeological landscapes of the Waterberg, or into one of the other remarkable palaeoscientific landscapes that continue to reveal the history of Life on Earth.
And, of course, your journey through Africa need not end with palaeoscience. Perhaps your next adventure will take you in search of the Big Five in the Kruger, into the mountains and vineyards of the Cape, or further north to witness the Great Migration across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
The Cradle may be the end of this expedition – but it is only the beginning of your next discovery.
PRE OR POST TRAVEL EXTENSIONS: Your expedition may have reached its conclusion, but your African journey doesn’t have to end here. Safari Odyssey can thoughtfully curate a seamless extension, whether that means tracking the Big Five in Kruger National Park, discovering the mountains, vineyards and coastlines of Cape Town, witnessing the spectacular Great Migration across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, trekking with endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, or unwinding on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar . . . Wherever your curiosity leads next, we’ll create a journey that is every bit as memorable as the one you’ve just experienced.
