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South Africa
GAUTENG NATURAL HERITAGE: FOSSIL CRADLES TO URBAN RESERVES
Visit the Cradle of Humankind where our oldest ancestors were discovered, and go on safari at Johannesburg's doorstep. Gauteng will surprise you.
≈ 9
Days
310
Km
7
Stops
Descend into Sterkfontein caves at the Cradle of Humankind, where human history surfaces. Explore the Magaliesberg and its ancient ridges, discover surprising urban reserves, and watch zebras and antelopes with Johannesburg as backdrop: wild nature can be closer than you imagine.
- Cradle of Humankind: fossil caves, human origins
- Magaliesberg: ancient ridges, stone circles
- Rietvlei: urban reserve, zebra skyline
- Dinokeng: big five, near pretoria
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Explore Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve, located just 22 kilometers from Pretoria, where a perfect day trip combines picnicking, fishing, game viewing, and exceptional birding. The reserve surrounds a large dam that serves as a water source for diverse wildlife including zebra, kudu, waterbuck, and blue wildebeest that come to drink along its shores.
2
Discover the amazing birdlife that makes Roodeplaat a birder's paradise, with species ranging from waterbirds on the dam to raptors soaring overhead. The 7-kilometer hiking trail around the dam reveals different habitats and viewpoints, while overnight visitors can fully immerse in this wildlife sanctuary's peaceful atmosphere.
Activities
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Continue to Dinokeng Game Reserve, meaning 'Place of Rivers' in Setswana, just 40 kilometers from Pretoria. This popular destination offers easy-going game experiences where zebra, various buck species, wildebeest, and warthog roam freely. The area also boasts a local brewery and fantastic restaurants, combining wildlife with culinary pleasures.
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Visit Groenkloof Nature Reserve, one of the first areas declared a nature reserve in South Africa and now considered one of the best hiking experiences in Gauteng. Trails cater to walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders, families, and serious hiking groups. Keep your eyes open for kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, and ostrich throughout the reserve.
2
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Journey to Tswaing Crater, a remarkable geological feature created 200,000 years ago when an asteroid collided with Earth, leaving a crater 1.3 kilometers in diameter. The impact would have annihilated anything in the region-if Pretoria had existed then. Stone tools found here reveal that humans harvested salt and collected water from the crater approximately 100,000 years ago.
2
Walk the trails around this ancient impact site, which until the 1990s was the center of fierce academic debate about its origins. The crater lake and surrounding vegetation support diverse wildlife and birdlife, while interpretive displays explain the catastrophic event that created this unique landscape. The sense of cosmic history is profound.
Activities
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Experience the remarkable outdoor adventure of visiting a verified meteorite impact crater, one of the best-preserved examples on Earth. The hiking trails offer varying difficulty levels, while the visitor center provides context about both the geological event and the human history of salt harvesting that followed. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
30min
3
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Enter the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, where timeless magic awaits just a short drive from Johannesburg. These ancient mountains are older than Mount Everest itself, hosting a variety of primordial biomes that have evolved over billions of years. The sense of stepping into deep geological time is palpable as you explore valleys and ridges shaped long before humans walked the earth.
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Discover an astounding variety of flowers, trees, and animals in this mountain wonderland that has nurtured diverse ecosystems through countless millennia. The Magaliesberg is home to South Africa's most beloved country hotels, world-class spas, and acclaimed restaurants, offering sophisticated comfort amid pristine wilderness. The region combines natural beauty with refined hospitality.
Activities
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Experience the Magaliesberg from above on a hot air balloon ride, drifting silently over ancient peaks as the sunrise paints the landscape gold. Join expert guides for bird watching expeditions or embark on a safari to track the elusive leopard that still roams these mountains. The combination of adventure and tranquility makes this region unforgettable.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
1h
4
Day
Discover
1
Discover the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reveals the birthplace of humanity itself. Begin at the Maropeng Visitor Centre for an immersive overview of mankind's origins, tracing our evolution through interactive exhibits and fascinating displays. This 53,000-hectare area contains approximately 40% of the world's human ancestor fossils, making every visit a profound homecoming for all travelers.
2
Descend into the legendary Sterkfontein Caves, where over 500 hominid fossils dating back more than two million years have been unearthed. Stand in the very chambers where Mrs Ples and Little Foot were discovered-remains that revolutionized our understanding of human evolution. The cave system extends through 12 additional fossil sites, each contributing invaluable knowledge to the story of our species.
Activities
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Explore the broader Cradle of Humankind landscape, where ancient caves and fossil sites dot a rolling terrain that has witnessed millions of years of human prehistory. Guided tours illuminate the scientific discoveries that have made this region the world's richest hominin site, connecting visitors with the deep roots of human existence in this remarkable corner of South Africa.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
5
Day
Discover
1
Wander through the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, a 300-hectare paradise of Highveld flora and fauna crowned by a magnificent waterfall that has drawn visitors for hundreds of years. Although only formally established in 1982, this site's unique geological formations, indigenous aloes, and ancient cycads have captivated nature lovers across the centuries.
2
Settle beneath shady trees for a picnic while watching one of Johannesburg's resident Verreaux's eagle pairs soar above the cascading waters. The garden's diverse habitats attract birdwatchers seeking species from grassland specialists to waterfall-dwelling swifts. Walking trails wind through indigenous vegetation, revealing the remarkable botanical diversity of the Highveld region.
Activities
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Photograph the garden's spectacular waterfall, a natural landmark that forms the centerpiece of this urban oasis. The surrounding cliffs and rocky outcrops provide habitat for a remarkable variety of wildlife, from dassies basking in the sun to secretive forest birds in the wooded kloofs. Seasonal flower displays add bursts of color throughout the year.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
6
Day
Discover
1
Venture into Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, a 13,330-hectare expanse of ridges, plains, and kloofs just south of Johannesburg offering fresh air and wilderness adventure. The reserve's name derives from the sugarbush proteas that flower on the hillsides, creating spectacular displays against the backdrop of rolling Highveld landscape.
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Choose from 66 kilometers of hiking trails suited to all experience levels, from gentle walks to challenging ridge climbs. While trekking, watch for antelope, baboons, cheetahs, and hyenas that inhabit this protected wilderness. The varied terrain reveals different ecosystems from valley bottoms to rocky summits, each with distinct flora and fauna.
Activities
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Camp overnight in the reserve to experience the Highveld wilderness at its most magical, when stars blaze overhead and nocturnal animals emerge. Day visitors can explore multiple trails, enjoy picnic sites with sweeping views, or simply absorb the tranquility of this vast protected area so close to urban Gauteng.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
1h10
7
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Discover Melville Koppies, a rugged natural area in one of Johannesburg's most popular lifestyle neighborhoods. This remarkable reserve contains examples of over 80% of the flora species found in Gauteng, making it an exceptional botanical treasure hidden within the city. The rocky outcrops and grasslands create diverse microhabitats supporting remarkable plant diversity.
2
Explore evidence of a Stone Age village and ancient iron-smelting works that prove Melville has been a popular settlement for thousands of years. The archaeological sites connect visitors with the deep human history of this landscape, long before modern Johannesburg existed. Guided walks reveal both natural and cultural heritage.
Activities
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Hike through this protected urban wilderness where indigenous vegetation has survived the city's expansion. The Melville Koppies Nature Reserve offers guided weekend walks that illuminate the area's botanical, geological, and archaeological significance. Views across Johannesburg from the rocky summits provide perspective on how the city has grown around this natural sanctuary.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
8
Day
Discover
1
Explore Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a local favourite teeming with wildlife in a protected wetland ecosystem. Zebra, rhino, cheetah, buffalo, black wildebeest, and blesbok roam freely across this accessible reserve, offering excellent game viewing just minutes from the city. The combination of grassland and wetland habitats supports remarkable biodiversity.
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Delight in exceptional birdwatching at Rietvlei, where sightings include the majestic fish eagle, colorful kingfishers, the secretive grass owl, spike-heeled lark, buffy pipit, and the striking orange-throated longclaw. The reserve's diverse habitats attract both resident and migratory species throughout the year, making every visit rewarding for birders.
Activities
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Enjoy picnicking, horse riding, cycling, and fishing in this versatile nature reserve that offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. The peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife create the perfect escape from urban life, while remaining conveniently close to Pretoria. Sunset game drives reveal the reserve's nocturnal inhabitants emerging for the night.
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
45min
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🛡️ Travel advice - South Africa
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Autumn (March-May): Perfect weather with comfortable temperatures (18-26°C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for safari and outdoor activities. Excellent wine harvest season, beautiful landscapes, moderate tourist numbers, reasonable accommodation rates.
Spring (September-November): Excellent weather with warming temperatures (16-24°C), blooming wildflowers, and perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. Whale watching season, jacaranda blooms, moderate prices, excellent photography opportunities.
Summer (December-February): Warm temperatures (20-30°C) with occasional rainfall, peak holiday season, and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Beach season, highest accommodation rates, school holidays, excellent for coastal activities.
Winter (June-August): Cool, dry weather (8-20°C) perfect for safari with excellent wildlife viewing and clear skies. Peak safari season, whale watching, cozy wine estates, moderate accommodation rates.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in South Africa?
Rainbow nation with incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. Experience safari adventures, wine regions, and authentic African experiences from Cape Town to Kruger. The country offers wildlife encounters with cultural diversity and natural beauty. South Africa provides comprehensive African experiences with modern amenities and cultural richness.