The complex of the caves of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, Makapan, Taung, where they found fossils of 2, 3 million years ago, and the surrounding area - known as the world heritage site the Cradle of humankind. This territory covers an area of over 47 000 hectares and is located to the North-West of Johannesburg. Here it was found more than 17 000 fossils.

The area has an outstanding value, as it contains a complex of paleo-anthropological places, who have given valuable evidence of the origin of modern humans - hence its name "the Cradle of mankind". Currently more than 200 caves found in the Park (among which 13 have been studied), where they found fossils of human ancestors and wild animals, extinct several million years ago. Here are found a variety of stone tools used by ancient people, such as axes and scrapers. Were discovered fossils of ancient extinct animals such as the short-necked giraffe, the giant Buffalo, giant hyena and several species of saber-toothed tigers. And they found numerous fossils of existing animals, such as leopard and antelope Torah.

In 1935 Robert broom found the first fossils in the Sterkfontein cave. Here was evidence of the existence of African Australopithecus, who lived about 4-2 million years ago. Scientists believe that these hominids (bipedal apes) were the ancestors of man. Hominids may have lived throughout Africa, but their remains are found only in places where there were suitable conditions for the preservation of the remains.

In this territory were also found fossilized remains of another species of hominid - massive parantapa, who is considered extinct branch of the genealogical tree of human development. "Man working", who lived about 1 000 000 years ago, more than likely a direct ancestor of "Homo sapiens" than Australopithecus, with very close affinity with modern humans.

The cradle of humankind is one of the most visited attractions in South Africa.