City of Human Origins and More

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is arguably the world’s best place to discover your roots. But there is so much more to Mogale City

HUMAN ORIGINS, meandering rivers, the vast Magaliesburg mountain range, tranquil countryside, vibrant townships, and the conveniences of urban life – Mogale City boasts it all, a whole lot of living where life began.

Offering sunny climate almost all year-round, and while it has all modern comforts such as first-class hotels and lodges, African cuisine, and excellent infrastructure, it is the spectacular scenery and enjoining tranquility that gives this area its country charm.

Mogale City is an easy 30-minute drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, 20 minutes from Lanseria International Airport, and a 60-minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport.

The city’s main town of Krugersdorp is perfectly situated to explore Gauteng, equidistant to Johannesburg and Pretoria (Tshwane), and on the route to Rustenburg and the Pilanesberg in North West Province.

The area has a rich history and culture that will interest any visitor. Mogale City is named after Mogale wa Mogale, who took over the Po Chiefdom following the death of his father in the 1820s at the hands of Mzilikazi’s warriors.

The Batswana ba Po was one of the original tribes that inhabited the region. They were miners and traders of gold, with links to other people across the continent. The contribution made by the chief and his people was long ignored, but in 2001 their status was restored with the renaming of the municipality from Krugersdorp Local Council to Mogale City, in recognition of this City’s rich history.

Cradle of Humankind Visitor Centre, Maropeng

Human origins and More

Now a universally accepted fact that it is the continent of Africa that is the birthplace of our human species. This is the place where our collective umbilical cord lies buried – in the soil of this great continent, the Cradle of all humankind. Nowhere else on Earth but in the City of Human Origins does there exist such definitive and conclusive proof of our common origin as a species and thus of our common destiny.

Located in the western quadrant of Mogale City, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. This site holds global significance as it contains a superbly preserved record of the various stages in the evolution of humankind over 3.5 million years.

This 53 000-hectare area offers far more than heritage, with over 400 diverse tourism offerings ranging from adventure, wining and dining, spending the night, wildlife wonders, a platter of wedding venues, premier cycling and much more.

Maropeng – the Official Visitor Centre to The Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves provides a dual interactive tour experience. Maropeng’s portfolio includes a four star boutique hotel, a gastronomy inspired menu offering large conference facilities and a green educational facility which offers dormitory style accommodation and is perfect not only for school but also group overnight visits.

Moreover, located near Hartbeespoort Dam, which offers a wide range of boating and outdoor activities, and the spectacular Wonder Caves that take you back millions of years. The area is home to the Magaliesberg Meander, on which delightful arts and crafts are available from the artists’ studios.

Cultural tourism and Vibrant Townships

For a genuine African adventure, there is the Lesedi Cultural Village, which is a remarkable fusion of charming, authentic, earthy Africa in the heart of the bushveld. Visitors can enjoy African dishes, with lively music and cheerful chatter – a vibrancy that is uniquely African. Also, a perfect outing for teambuilding, societies, stokvels, re-unions and family outings. Of course, there are also the various townships and cities around Mogale City that are always worth visiting. Here you can get a real feel of life in Mogale City: Kagiso, where you can enjoy music, dance and stop for a traditional meal; Munsieville, the childhood home of Archbishop Emeritus and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu which has rich struggle history; and Azaadville, a largely Indian suburb where Ghandi once worked to help prevent forced removals – also a stop of a truly uniquely Asian meal and matching homestead.

As Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at the unveiling at the world-famous Naledi fossil in the Cradle of Humankind Action visit

Action visit

There is a game reserve, on the outskirts of Krugersdorp, with diverse species of mammal, including lion, buffalo and leopard on 1 400 hectares of bushveld. Game drives can be either self-drive on tarred roads or guided game drives in open vehicles. It is also home to the largest aviary in Africa.

Enjoy environmental hiking trails, game viewing, cave tours, visits to an old Gold Mine, ox-wagon rides, a visit to a children’s farm or go camping. For the adventurer, the unique experience of hot-air ballooning is a rather exciting and eccentric adventure in space and time. A further aerial adventure is microlight flying. Accommodation for visitors varies from B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges, to luxury resorts. The area is very popular for its wedding and conference facilities. These offerings dot the entire city; from the townships to the tranquil rural areas.

Owed to it’s scenic beauty and matchless outdoor escapes, Mogale City also boast amongst Gauteng’s best events and venues alike – these among other Coronation Park, Nirox Sculpture Park, Silverstar Casino, Maropeng Stone Park and Amphitheatre, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and many more.

For further venue and offering-specific information around Mogale City please visit the following websites:

Cradle of humankind – SA Venues.com www.lekkerplaces.co.za www.maropeng.co.za