Cradle of Human Kind and Maropeng

Day 4 – Southern Africa

Our next day in South Africa started with an early drive out to the Cradle of Humankind’s Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng.   The caves and Maropeng are part of a string of archeological sites at which some of the most important and oldest fossils have been found within the world.  Beyond just visiting the people of modern day Africa, we stepped back in time and visited the very same one of the caves our evolutionary ancestors used.  We crawled and climbed, and retraced what it may have been like to live where Mrs Ples and Little Foot lived.  These fossils are among the best known and best preserved in the world, and date back as early as 200,000 years ago.

The road to Sterkfontein

Sterkfontein entrance

Descending into the cave

Photos of fossil structures found in the cave

The trip was well worth the visit.  I hadn’t expected to crawl through the stalagtite limestone cave as I was worried about low oxygen levels within, but I made it through along with the rest of the group.  There were plenty “Beware of Snakes” signs posted about, but we were assured that there were snakes around this time of year, and that there would most certainly not be any in the cave because the temperature (a constant 17 celcius) is too cool for them to strike a human if they’re even inside the cave to begin with which is doubtful.

I was still a little afraid, but braved the walk anyway.

After our cave walk and fantastic overview from our guide, we visited Maropeng, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was full of exhibitions explaining the history of the universe, cosmic metamorphosis, climate change, sustainability, and even the impacts of poverty as well as overconsumption on the planet.  This had to have been one of the best exhibits I’ve seen that will appeal to adults and kids alike.

Making our way back to daylight

Approaching Maropeng, the interpretation center for the Cradle of Humankind

One of the educational exhibits at Maropeng that traces our origins and focuses on our shared traits

We were running out of steam after the climb and exhibits, so we headed back to Johannesburg and continued our discussion on all things Zulu with our driver.

The night ended with a stop at Haagen Dazs next to the hotel for two scoops of my favorite, Cookies and Cream!!! The ladies left me on my own, and didn’t join in the sugar rush.

Haagen Dazs Cookies & Cream at Melrose Arch

Before turning in for the evening, I made a quick dash to the financial district to snap a few photos of the area.  I’m often asked what “downtown” Johannesburg looks like.  Well, it’s such a large city with many different neighborhoods that it’s hard to pin down what would be considered “downtown.”  So here are a few photos, including one of my driver who seemed to be quite bored.  Take a look:

Out and about in Sandton

Nelson Mandela Square Mall

Just outside the D’Avinci Hotel which was built to accommodate FIFA 2009 World Cup attendees

Clearly my driver is ready for a nap