How to plan your Maropeng and Sterkfontein adventure

As the holiday season approaches, visitors from around the world are planning their trips to top attractions in Gauteng, like the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind.

We’re grateful and proud that many of our visitors say they’ve had a great time with us. But we thought we’d share some tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.

One of our five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

Here are five ways you can plan your trip to Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves:

1. Phone ahead

We’re a very popular destination, and sometimes the time slots you want may be fully booked, or you will have a bit of a wait before your tour. Phone our reception the day before your visit, or even the morning of your trip, and we’ll advise you on the best time to drop by.

If you want to get a combination ticket, to do both the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves, we can give you advice on where to start and at what time.

You can call us on +27 (0)14 577 9000.

2. Keep an eye on social media

Follow @MaropengSA on Twitter and like our Facebook page to keep updated with the latest information you need to know.

3. Try a self-guided tour through the visitor centre

Our interactive exhibition is so compelling that you can take anything from one to seven hours to go through it all, depending on your interest level. Our tour guides are brilliant, but if you’d like to really take your time and soak it all in, get a map at reception and guide yourself through our world-famous exhibition.

Consider taking a self-guided tour through our interactive exhibition. (Image: Maropeng)

4. Grab a bite while you wait

If the slot you want is fully booked and you have a bit of time to wait for the next tour, then stroll down to our Market Place for a bite, or get lunch with spectacular views at the Tumulus restaurant. If you’re at Sterkfontein Caves, grab a bite at our restaurant there while you wait. Our ticket office and guides will advise you on the next available slot for a guided tour.

5. If you’re coming to the Sterkfontein Caves, please be kind to your feet

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and leave heavy bags at home (or at the hotel), if you’re planning on a Sterkfontein Caves adventure. There are also tight spots, narrow pathways and long stairways to navigate, so if you’re claustrophobic or get out of breath easily, we recommend you sit this one out.

A trip to the Sterkfontein Caves will appeal to the adventurer in you. (Image: Maropeng) (Image: Maropeng)

And finally, we have a tip for tour operators bringing groups to the Maropeng Visitor Centre or the Sterkfontein Caves: we strongly advise phoning us to make a booking in advance. Our sales team will gladly assist with your reservation. Booked tours always take priority, but there might be a short wait during our peak times, so you can let your guests know they might have some extra time to grab a bite or walk around before their tour.