The fun never stops at the Cradle of Humankind

January 23, 2012 – Bianca Bothma

Holidays might be over but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to end. Maropeng has a range of edutainment experiences lined up to ensure you learn, explore and have fun at the same time.

Maropeng Curator Lindsay Marshall says the Cooper’s Cave, Swartkrans and Bone Detectives walking tours cater for everyone, “Whether you’ve just learnt about fossils for the first time or are really developing huge interest in the subject, Maropeng has an event for you.”

The popular Stargazing evenings are not to be missed, says Marshall, “Come and explore our ever-changing celestial landscape. Maropeng hosts intimate events at the Maropeng Hotel as well as larger-scale events at the Tumulus Restaurant, perfect for families wanting to introduce the stars to their children for the first time.”

Kingdom of the Big Cats fossil display

Running until the end of February, the Kingdom of the Big Cats fossil display gives visitors a rare opportunity to view original animal fossils from the oldest fossil site in the Cradle of Humankind, Bolt’s Farm.

Original artefacts belonging to Professor Robert Broom from the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History’s Broom collection are also display.

Cooper’s Cave picnic and walking tour

Enjoy a pleasant walk to Cooper’s Cave fossil site and learn more about its secrets on a guided tour, suitable for the family.

Led by palaeobiologist Dr Christine Steininger, the tour includes an interactive talk on fossils and stone tools, the chance to explore a cave, and a delicious picnic lunch in the shade.

Book online for: February 4, March 3

Bone Detectives – reading the bones of our ancestors

If you have a passion for science and the history of evolution, join Maropeng and Wits University scientist Brendon Billings on Maropeng’s Bone Detectives tour.

Learn more about the fossilised remains of our human ancestors. This event includes a guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves, as well as a superb picnic buffet lunch overlooking the Cradle of Humankind.

Book online for: February 11, March 10

Swartkrans picnic and walking tour

Swartkrans is of great significance to the Cradle of Humankind as fossils of Paranthropus robustus, an ancient human cousin, were found in the area.

Put on your walking shoes and learn more about the exciting finds in the area from scientist Morris Sutton, who is currently excavating there. The tour includes a delicious picnic lunch.

Book online for: February 18, March 17

Stargazing – living amongst the stars

Maropeng’s next exciting stargazing experience is focused on the stories the stars hold about how the universe began. Resident astronomer Vincent Nettmann will take you through an introduction to astronomy and explain how the stars are related to humankind’s origins.

The stargazing evening will begin with welcome drinks at the Tumulus Restaurant at 17h00 followed by an illustrated talk and a delicious buffet dinner.

Book online for: February 25, March 24

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