Because deciding what to do in and around Sandton is no easy task, I decided to suggest some notable places which are worth a visit. Unesco has declared the Sterkfontein Caves a world heritage site as it is widely recognised as the place from which all of humankind originated, exhibits and evidence of the evolutionary journey are on exhibit at the exhibition centre. The Maropeng Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is made up of 15 paleontological sites of which Sterkfontein is one.
How we viewed humanity and the history of humankind all changed after some significant findings at the caves. It is at this site that Little Foot was found; a near complete 3-million year-old skeleton and, Mrs Ples - a 2.1-million year-old skull. These finds – antecedent forms of modern homo sapiens – tell us a great deal about human evolution and development.
At the cave exhibition you can see reconstructions of a mined cave versus a pristine one, cave formations and geology and, early life forms like mammals and hominid fossils and how they lived. Insights into human ancestry provide a wealth of insights into human ancestry and many other topics are available for leisurely perusal at the exhibits. World-acclaimed palaeoartist, John Gurch has executed some of the exhibits. Gurch's work is also on display at the Smithsonian Institute, Field Museum and American Museum of Natural History in New York. Gurch’s exhibits are a truly life-like experience and his work has also seen him work on the famous film Jurassic Park.
The site of the Sterkfontein Cave underwent a major facelift in 2005. New walkways have been installed, cave access improved and a boardwalk now passes the famous excavation site. Tours of the caves begin at 09h00 and end at 16h00, they run every half hour in between. It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes for the cave tours. In the caves are a number of pathways and tight spots to negotiate, going on the cave tour is not recommended if you suffer from claustrophobia. It is also not advisable for people who suffer from acute asthma or chest problems to do the tour as there are a lot of stairs.
Of course, if the prospect of caves does not appeal to you, there is a spectrum of other less rugged attractions in and around Johannesburg. If you want to be in the middle of the activity, look for Sandton accommodation - the centre-point of many things, including distinguished living.
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