At Random Harvest Cottages, we are proud to offer peaceful and scenic self-catering accommodation in Muldersdrift. One of the greatest advantages of staying with us is our proximity to some of the region’s most significant attractions, including the world-renowned Cradle of Humankind, located just 50 kilometers from Johannesburg.

This extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Cradle of Humankind South Africa, is a must-visit for history and nature lovers. Whether you're staying at our bed and breakfast or in our self-catering accommodation, exploring this ancient site will take you on a journey back in time to the origins of humankind.

Cradle of Humankind Location

The Cradle of Humankind is situated a short 25-minute drive from Random Harvest Cottages, making it easily accessible during your stay. Covering an expansive 47,000 hectares, this area is home to over 200 limestone caves, many of which contain fossils of early hominids, our human ancestors. Visitors can explore the Maropeng Visitor Centre, which offers an interactive experience into the development of humans and the environment in this region.

Human Origins – A Journey into the Past

The Cradle of Humankind Johannesburg is famous for its role in shaping our understanding of human evolution. Some of the oldest known fossils of our ancestors have been unearthed here, including Australopithecus africanus, discovered in the Sterkfontein Caves. This species lived over 2 million years ago and is believed to be one of the closest relatives to modern humans.

The Sterkfontein Caves alone have produced more than one-third of all early hominid fossils discovered prior to 2010. Sadly, the caves are currently closed due to flooding, but you can still explore the rich history of the site through the Maropeng Visitor Centre, which offers insights into the evolution of life on Earth.

In addition to early hominids, visitors will discover evidence of even older life forms, including fossils of blue-green algae that are some of the earliest forms of life on Earth, dating back over 2.6 billion years.

Fascinating Fossil Discoveries and the Sterkfontein Caves

The Sterkfontein Caves have played a pivotal role in our understanding of human evolution. It was here that Dr. Robert Broom and John T. Robinson discovered "Mrs. Ples", a 2.3-million-year-old skull of an Australopithecus africanus, in 1947. The caves also house the nearly complete skeleton of "Little Foot", which dates back over 3 million years.

While the Sterkfontein Caves remain closed, the rich fossil history of the region can still be appreciated through exhibitions at Maropeng. This region continues to reshape our understanding of human evolution, with fossil discoveries occurring even in modern times.

Prehistoric and Human History at the Cradle of Humankind

The significance of the Cradle of Humankind doesn’t end with early hominids. The area has also been home to various other human ancestors and early species, such as Paranthropus robustus, which lived around 2 million years ago but eventually became extinct.

Moreover, the region is steeped in more recent human history. Khoi-San people lived here some 30,000 years ago, followed by the Sotho-Tswana people, who were later displaced by Zulu warriors led by General Mzilikazi in the early 19th century. The Voortrekkers and European settlers arrived in the 1840s, further transforming the landscape. This intricate history shows how the Cradle of Humankind location has been a focal point for life and civilization for millennia

Experience History During Your Stay at Random Harvest Cottages

When you stay at Random Harvest Cottages, you’re in the ideal location to visit the Cradle of Humankind South Africa. Whether you’re interested in human origins, prehistoric fossils, or the sheer natural beauty of the Cradle of Humankind location, your stay with us provides the perfect base for a memorable and educational experience.

Book your stay at Random Harvest and enjoy our peaceful self-catering accommodation in Muldersdrift, just minutes away from one of the world’s most significant historical sites.