Maropeng Surrounds

You start and end your tour at Maropeng with the magnificent signifiers.

A variety of wildlife occurs here, including hartebeest and impala. Trees provide perches, nesting sites and food for many bird species, such as the African olive-pigeon, grey go-away-bird and Cape glossy starling. Leopards, brown hyenas and jackals use sinkholes as dens.

Native to the area, the Kniphofia, or “red hot poker” is known for its bright, rocket-shaped flowers.

The Rocky Highveld Grassland is “fire climax grassland”. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the balance of trees and grass.

The gardens surrounding the Maropeng Visitor Centre are filled with plants indigenous to the Cradle of Humankind.

When you arrive at the entrance gates to Maropeng, you see seven 14m-high concrete columns signifying the centre, which moves in and out of sight along the approach. The signifiers have words on them that hint at the major themes of the exhibition, such as “Imagine”, “Explore”, “Contemplate”, and “Discover”.