Dress: Casual

Attendance: Participants who would like to go on any of the tours are expected to pay for the tours themselves - this will be organised at registration

In 1896 an Italian gold prospector named Gugielmo Martinaglia found the entrance to a complex series of caves on Sterkfontein Farm. The caves are now regarded as one of the most important prehistoric sites.  It is at this site that the famous Mrs Ples (Plesianthropus transvaalenis) was discovered by Dr Robert Broom who once described these caves as the anthropological treasure house of the world.  The underground lake with crystal clear water is the only one of its kind in the Republic.

Dr Robert Broom of the Transvaal Museum began excavations at the cave in 1936 and in 1947 discovered a well-preserved skull of a species of early man known as Plesianthropus transvaalensis, who lived there about two million years ago. The skull was that of a female, and became known as MRS PLES.  At a depth of 40 metres is a perfectly calm underground lake. Local African tribes regard it with awe, believing that the water has medicinal properties and can even cure blindness. Tribespeople hold ceremonies at the edge of the lake, during which water is carried away for treatment of the sick.

Explore the underground caves and learn about the famous and important discoveries made at Sterkfontein.

The lion and rhino park is a small game reserve situated less than an hour outside Johannesburg.  Enjoy an afternoon viewing rhinoceros, lion and other game in this Game Reserve. Cheetah and wild dog can also be seen.