Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa.

© Bob Hilscher/Getty Images/iStock

Sterkfontein Caves

Top choice in Gauteng


One of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, Sterkfontein Caves include a permanent hominid exhibit and a walkway down into the impressive caves and past the excavation site. Tours leave every 30 minutes (the last tour is at 4pm).

A discount ticket that covers the caves and Maropeng, which is 8km away, must be purchased by 1pm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gauteng attractions

1. Old Kromdraai Mine Museum

2.87 MILES

For over two decades the same family has run tours at the first official gold mine on the Witwatersrand – operations started in 1881. Guided tours leave…

2. Nirox Foundation

4.09 MILES

This gorgeous sculpture park marks an evolutionary advancement for South African creative arts. Leading local and international sculptors, painters and…

3. Maropeng

4.96 MILES

Partly housed in a building that looks like a giant grassy mound on one side and shiny modern steel on the other, Maropeng is an all-in-one information…

4. June 16 Memorial Acre

17.93 MILES

Opposite one of the schools from which students marched on 16 June 1976 is this stunning open-air memorial to the bloody events that presaged the Soweto…

5. Hector Pieterson Museum

18.51 MILES

This powerful museum, named after the 12-year-old boy shot dead during the student protests in Soweto on 16 June 1976, illuminates the role of Sowetan…

6. Hector Pieterson Memorial

18.52 MILES

North of Vilakazi St is Hector Pieterson Sq; it’s named after the 12-year-old who was shot dead in the run-up to the Soweto uprising in 1976. The poignant…

7. Mandela House Museum

18.73 MILES

Nelson Mandela lived with his first wife, Evelyn, and later with his second wife, Winnie, in this four-room house, just off Vilakazi St. The museum…

8. Home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

18.76 MILES

Close to the Mandela House Museum is the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A plaque marks the location but the house is not open to visitors.