Take a Tour through South Africa’s Best Archaeological Sites

South Africa has been called the “Cradle of Humankind” and the country’s archaeological sites rank among the most scientifically and historically important in the world. Archaeologists believe this is where modern humans originated, and there are several places where visitors can discover the fascinating and ancient history of human development.

One of the best places to start an archaeological tour is Johannesburg, as it’s situated close to some of the most important sites in South Africa. Visit the major city’s many attractions: try the great golf courses and excellent theatres and art galleries.

Then you need to decide which archaeological route you’d like to take. You can travel towards Taung in the North-West province, via the Magaliesburg, before heading to Groot Marico and then back to Johannesburg. Alternatively, head to the fascinating archaeological sites of Limpopo Province: Mokapane and Musina. You can also combine the two routes depending on your time constraints. Whichever route you choose, you’ll drive through spectacular and fascinating parts of South Africa, and will see some of the most significant archaeological sites worldwide.

Magaliesburg, Taung and Groot Marico

Take a drive north of Johannesburg, to the very epicentre of the ‘Cradle of Humankind’, in the scenic Magaliesburg area. Here you’ll find the famous Sterkfontein Caves, where ‘Mrs Ples’, an almost complete cranium of an Australopithecus Africanus – meaning “southern ape of Africa” – was found in 1947. Since then, many more fossils have been found and the entire Sterkfontein Valley has been declared a protected area.

Embedded in the rocks of the caves and mountains in the area are the fossilized remains of hominids as well as fossils of other plants and animals, which have given archaeologists a vivid picture of hominids and their surroundings dating back over 3,3 million years. One of the most significant recent findings was ‘Little Foot’, an intact hominid skeleton, found in 1998. Visitors are allowed access to the main cave at Sterkfontein where there are fascinating displays and tours.

After you’ve explored the Cradle of Humankind, and have stayed a night at one of the many guest farms, game lodges or guest houses in the area, drive west towards Taung, where the world-famous Taung child. another Austrolopithecus Africanus skull, was discovered in 1924. It is unique as one of the few skeletons in the world found on its own, and this discovery was also the first hint that South Africa would become crucial in the research of human origins. A monument to the discovery is at the site and an old mine tunnel has been opened for exploration.

On the way back to Johannesburg, stay over at Groot Marico, which, as well as being the location for Herman Charles Bosman’s charming stories, is also the site of the Gaditshwene Iron Age Ruins, which cast some light on the lives of the early Bahurutswe (Tswana) people. Carbon dating suggests that Gaditshwene was built as far back as I000 years ago. Historians believe that about 20 000 people lived here and they were famous for their skills as miners and iron and copper smelters. Gaditshwene was eventually destroyed during the intense intertribal fighting during in the 18th century. Many fascinating examples of animal fossils can also be found in the dolomite caves of the surrounding district but it is best to visit them with the assistance of a guide.

Your whirlwind archaeological tour is now over and you can head back to the bright lights of Johannesburg.

Mokapane, Musina and Kruger
Alternatively, take a different archaeological route north into the Limpopo Province. Drive up to Makopane, where you can find Makapans Cave, a fascinating site with fossils of hominids and animals going back three million years, as well as evidence of stone age and iron age occupation. In more recent history, it was the site of a lengthy battle between the Voortrekkers and the Ndebele, lead by Mokopane, after whom the cave is named. Visitors can go on guided tours of the caves, where some of the most interesting finds include signs of human occupation from the Early Stone Age and remains of early hyenas and buffalo.

After you’ve stayed over in Mokapane, head north to the Mapungubwe National Park near Musina on the very northern border with Zimbabwe, which has been declared a World Heritage Site due to the many finds relating to the cultural development of peoples in the area over the last 2000 years. The remains of the ancient city of Mapungubwe show sophisticated metal working, the earliest known evidence of social stratification, and also amazing evidence of trade with Arabia and Asia. Visitors can see remains of palaces and royal enclosures, and the ruins of early Stone and Iron Age settlements. From viewing decks in the ancient city, you can gaze across panoramic vistas stretching into neighbouring Zimbabwe and Bostwana. Stay over in the National Park, or in accommodation nearby, for a few days, to also take advantage of the great game viewing possible in the area.

On the long way back to Johannesburg, you’d probably like to stop somewhere for a few nights, perhaps at the Kruger National Park. Besides the Big Five, the park also has a significant ancient settlement, Tulamela, which dates from a similar era as Mapungubwe, and displays a similar building style.

Finally head back to Johannesburg, where city’s luxurious accommodation and stylish restaurants will remind you just how much humankind has evolved from those early hominids!