Gauteng: Sterkfontein Caves reopen to the public!

The world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa, one of the most significant sites in the study of human evolution, officially reopened to the public on 15 April 2025 under the full management of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University).
Closed since July 2022 due to flooding and stormwater damage, the site has now undergone essential restoration and a complete reimagining of the visitor experience - marking a new chapter for this cornerstone of palaeoanthropological research.
Located within the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, near Johannesburg, the Sterkfontein Caves are famed for producing some of the most important hominin fossil discoveries, including "Mrs Ples" (1947) and "Little Foot" (1997). These finds have played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of human origins.

Entrance to the Wits Sterkfontein Caves (credit: Brett Eloff)

While previously serving primarily as a tourist attraction, the reopened site now offers a more immersive, research-driven experience designed to bring visitors closer to the science behind the fossils.

Visitors can now enjoy:

• Direct interaction with researchers and students from Wits University conducting live palaeontological and Earth science research.
• Behind-the-scenes access to fossil preparation laboratories.
• Guided tours enriched with in-depth scientific context and storytelling.
• Educational programmes on human evolution, climate science, geosciences, and other Earth sciences.
• Exhibits featuring the latest fossil discoveries and ongoing research projects.

The Sterkfontein Caves are open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 16:00.

“This reopening represents a significant evolution in how we share the story of human origins,” says Prof. Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Wits Faculty of Science. “Visitors now have unique opportunities to engage with live science and research in real time.”

Whether you're passionate about archaeology, fascinated by human ancestry, or just looking for a one-of-a-kind educational adventure near Johannesburg, the Sterkfontein Caves are once again ready to welcome the world—smarter, stronger, and more inspiring than ever.