June 18, 2025

Sterkfontein Caves

Current context: South Africa’s Sterkfontein Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind, reopened to the public in April 2025 after a three‑year closure.

About

  • Location: 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
  • Geology: Dolomitic limestone cave system featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and other karst formations formed over millions of years.

Palaeoanthropological Significance:

  • One of the world’s richest hominid fossil sites.
  • Home to “Mrs Ples” (Australopithecus africanus skull) and “Little Foot” (nearly complete Australopithecus skeleton).
  • Provides evidence of human ancestors living in the region up to 3.5 million years ago.
  • UNESCO Status: Designated part of the “Cradle of Humankind” World Heritage Site in 1999 for its outstanding universal value in human evolutionary studies.
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