Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 87 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park worth booking?
Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park is a 5-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $118 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 87 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (87)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $118 per person
The Cradle of Humankind has become one of Johannesburg biggest attractions. Its unbelievable that the oldest human fossil in the world and fossils of 2 million years old are still been found to this day. We have put together a comprehensive day at the Cradle of Humankind that includes a visit to the Lion And Rhino Park. A wild game drive is always a good way to start or end an African experience. The tour is fun and relaxed. Everything can be adjusted to suit your requirements and schedule. Cradle of humankind has more Australopithecus fossils than anywhere else in the world," said geologist and geophysicist Darryl Granger of Purdue University. Now, new dating techniques suggest that the remains date back nearly 4 million years – making them even older than the famous Australopithecus afarensis individual Dinkinesh, nicknamed Lucy. Your Guide Shane is the author of "White Boy" a true story of a boy growing up in South Africa
What you get
About this experience
The Cradle of Humankind has become one of Johannesburg biggest attractions. Its unbelievable that the oldest human fossil in the world and fossils of 2 million years old are still been found to this day. We have put together a comprehensive day at the Cradle of Humankind that includes a visit to the Lion And Rhino Park. A wild game drive is always a good way to start or end an African experience. The tour is fun and relaxed. Everything can be adjusted to suit your requirements and schedule. Cradle of humankind has more Australopithecus fossils than anywhere else in the world," said geologist and geophysicist Darryl Granger of Purdue University. Now, new dating techniques suggest that the remains date back nearly 4 million years – making them even older than the famous Australopithecus afarensis individual Dinkinesh, nicknamed Lucy. Your Guide Shane is the author of "White Boy" a true story of a boy growing up in South Africa
What's included
Included
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
- Sterkfontein Caves R 150
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Sterkfontein Cave
Great news the Sterkfontein Caves are open after been closed for 2 years . Entrance R 150 South Africa has yielded fossils of some of the earliest known dinosaurs, dating back at least 200-million years. Fossils of our distant mammal-like ancestors, which lived more than 200-million years ago, have also been found in South Africa. Africa is the birthplace of humankind. This is where our collective umbilical cord lies buried. Hominids – the ancestors of modern humans – first emerged about seven million years ago, in Africa. Many significant fossil finds have been made in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, including the famous fossils “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”. The Cradle of Humankind is a paleoanthropological site and is located about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Gauteng province. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the site is home to the largest concentration of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world. Entrance Fee R 150
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
This is a drive through the nature reserve where we can spot a number of wild animals including Lion, Rhino and Wild Dog. Situated in a World Heritage Site, 1 200 hectare park is home to over 700 game including white rhino, lion, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, hippo and crocodile. A centre houses, amongst others, Bengal and Syberian tigers, jaguars and white lions. Entrance Fee R 250
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shane Gouldie
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 87 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
87 verified traveler reviews for Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Top Experience
We did the Rhino & Lion Park plus Wonder Caves. The whole experience was amazing. Shane is a star & absolute top bloke!! Made the adventure something to remember. Caves were great addition to experience being on the reservation. Would highly recommend the whole thing - but do it with Shane to ensure top experience!!!!
Response from the operator: Thanks Tim for the fantastic review. Really appreciate you taking the time. It's a new tour I have introduced and do happy the customers are enjoying. All the Best Shane
via Tripadvisor
Glittering golden life experience
I absolutely holidayed in South Africa to experience a safari tour. The safari at the lion and rhino park was and is the glitter of life. I was able to get up quite close in a vehicle to the rare white lions and rare cheetahs. Also the visit to the Sterkfontain caves was incredible.
Response from the operator: Must say this one of my best customers. Had a great time and happy you did as well. All the Best. See you again when you in South Africa
via Viator
Lesedi Cultural Village and Maropeng Museum
We visited the Cradle of Humandkind area which is located a short distance from Johannesburg. The Maropeng Museum provided an excellent overview of fossils and it had interactive exhibits. Next, we went to Lesedi Cultural Village. We toured four different traditional villages, participated in a drumming activity, and watched the cultural dance show. A buffet lunch was also available at the end. Shane was a fantastic guide and he was willing to answer all of our questions about South Africa. Highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: It is so exciting when I get booked by a customer for two days in a row and on both occassions they enjoy the experience. Thank you for taking the time to do a review . Safe travels Shane
via Viator
Shane made the trip informative & enjoyable
Shane was a great tour guide. Told us about the area as we rode to Cradle of Humankind. Stayed close enough to give us information, but didn't smother us. When we went to Rhino & Lion Park, he knew where all the best places were. On the way back, gave us a restaurant recommendation and dropped us off at the restaurant
Response from the operator: Hi Thomas. Thank you so much for taking the time to do a review. I really appreciate you taking the time. It was a pleasure showing of my beautiful country and our hidden treasures. All the best Shane
via Viator
Great hike in Cradle Moon
I had a great experience hiking in Cradle Moon with Shane. We walked around the lake and it was beautiful. I enjoyed seeing the animals while walking. Shane is very knowledgeable and a fantastic guide. I highly recommend this tour for a small taste of Africa.
Response from the operator: Thank you Lianne. Enjoyed the hike with you. Enjoy the rest of your SA tour. All the best. Shane
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $118 to $2,900
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shane Gouldie, who run 16 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.5.
See everything Shane Gouldie runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How much does Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park cost?
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Prices start at $118 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Johannesburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Johannesburg is not rushed.
Is Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 87 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Johannesburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park?
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Around 30 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Johannesburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Johannesburg and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Johannesburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?
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On Outty we rank every Johannesburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soweto and Johannesburg Exclusive Full Day Guided Tour, Ultimate Johannesburg Soweto Experience with Apartheid Museum, Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Johannesburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park?
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Included: On-board WiFi; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch; Sterkfontein Caves R 150; Admission fees; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 708 listed pickup locations in and around Johannesburg. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Johannesburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Cradle Humankind, Caves or Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park?
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Across 87 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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