To experience more of prehistoric South Africa; head to the Sudwala Caves in the Mpumalanga Province. Some have said that the caves date as far back as 3800 million years and contain fossilised remains of ‘collenia’ - a type of fungus that many scientists claim to be the origin of life on earth.
The caves are home to the biggest dolomite chamber on earth known as Owen Hall - a natural opening some seventy metres wide and thirty seven metres in height. The caves were used as a shelter in prehistoric times due to the constant flow of fresh air that breezes through - the origin of this breeze remains a mystery to this day.
The caves have also sheltered Somquba - son of Swazi king Sobhuza I, who discovered the caves with followers when trying to escape his brother Mswati II. Somquba was killed and was replaced by new leader Sudwala, hence the name.
The Cradle of Humankind
Also of pre-historic interest; twelve kilometres from the centre of Krugerdorp lies a gargantuan 47000 hectare valley known as the Cradle of Humankind. Human activity has been known to exist in its caves for more than 3 million years, with an astounding 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils found within these parts.
Tours are led by the Palaeo-Anthropology Scientific Trust of the University of Witwatersrand, who lead tourists to some of the most fascinating paleontology sites, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where more than 500 hominid fossils and 9000 stone tools have been discovered through the ages.
Two of the world’s most important paleontological discoveries in modern times have also been made here - Little Foot - an almost complete ape/man skeleton 3.3 million years old was discovered here in 1995 and the Australopithecus Africanus Mrs Ples (now believed to be a Mister Ples), dating back 2.5-million years, was also found in the caves in 1947. In 1999 the area was declared a World Heritage Site. Although privately owned land, any discoveries made still belong to the finder, although many of the areas of known paleontological significance are largely controlled and protected by authorities
Soweto
The metropolitan township of Soweto is a mandatory visit - especially for those who want to come to South Africa and sample more than just the wildlife. World famous for being at the centre of the struggle against Apartheid, Soweto is rich in the pivotal historical sites that played a part in the rule and is still home to the people that played a crucial role in overthrowing it. The Nelson Mandela Museum is one of these. Once home to the great man, it is now a museum run by his former wife Winnie. It contains memorabilia from the time they lived there together and when Nelson went into hiding from Apartheid. In the same neighbourhood you will find Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s house as well as the recently renovated Hector Pieterson memorial museum which offers a detailed history of the events of 1976; when 12 year old Pieterson was killed by police during the student uprisings, changing the course of South African history forever.
Cape Town
Many people begin their African adventure in Cape Town - a vibrant city with a spectacular backdrop. Probably the world’s most climbed mountain, Table Mountain stands proud in the middle of the city, dominating the surrounding landscape. And, although the cable car ride to the top should not be missed, there is so much more to this city than first meets the eye.
Many of the main roads are tarmac and well signposted. The 4 hour journey from Johannesburg to KrugerNational Park is along a tarmac dual carriageway with a number of clean service areas along the way. Visitors hiring a car in South Africa are advised to be vigilant, particularly through the towns, and drive carefully. However, many visitors hire a car here each year and enjoy a pleasant holiday, making the most of their independence to explore the magnificent scenery at their own pace.
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