ICANN59 South Africa 2017: Full Day Maropeng - Cradle of Mankind

Maropeng: The Cradle of Humankind is one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, and the only one in Gauteng. It is widely recognised as the place from which all of humankind originated. It is not only a place of ongoing scientific discovery into our origins, but also a place of contemplation – a place that allows us to reflect on who we are, where we come from and where we are going to. The Maropeng online exhibition guide complements the displays in the visitor centre at Maropeng.

The displays at Maropeng, as well as the interactive games and underground boat ride, focus on the earth and the origins on life on earth, man's pathway towards humanity, our human ancenstry and the sustainability of life on the planet in the future.

Sterkfontein Caves: The world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves is home to the oldest and most continuous paleaontological dig in the world. It is also the site of discovery of the famous pre-human skull affectionately known as “Mrs Ples”, and an almost complete hominid skeleton called “Little Foot”, dated 2.3 and 4.17 million years old respectively. No one knows what still lies hidden in the rocks of the Sterkfontein Caves and other sites. The World Heritage Site status the area now enjoys ensures that what is deep within its core will be protected and explored forever.