So, why are we in Maropeng? Maropeng is the cradle of humankind. It received this nickname because one of the oldest human skeletons was discovered nearby in the Sterkfontein Caves. Our goal for today was to visit the information center at Maropeng and to see the caves.
We woke up and went to the reception desk at 7 for our breakfast. And what a breakfast it was! Eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, cereal, juice, coffee, and yoghurt! And it was included in the price for the room!
Suitable stuffed, we headed off to Maropeng. Maropeng is basically a visitor’s center for the area, and they have a small museum/experience that you can walk through before driving to the caves. Although it is better suited for kids, the place was pretty fun. The best part was a short boat ride that took you through the history of the earth. There was one section that included frosted over walls and they had a snow machine going!
We purchased some post cards at the gift shop and then headed to the caves. The caves were definitely cooler than the visitor’s center. We were able to see the spot where they discovered “Little Foot” and “Mrs. Ple”. I am not sure if I spelled these right (sorry). “Mr.s Ple” is just a skull, but “Little Foot” is a complete skeleton. Both are very early examples of humanoid evolution. They are proof that humanity began in Africa.
The cave tour was also a good deal of fun. After taking them in, we ate some lunch and then headed over to the “Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.” We intended to visit the park the next day before heading to Johannesburg to catch our flight to Italy. We found out the info that we needed and then headed to the grocer store to see if they had any meat and cheese for sandwiches the next day. They didn’t.
Then, we tried to find a place to eat dinner. There was a restaurant called “Greensleeves,” that could have worked. But they weren’t open. Jeez. This place is going to have trouble when the World Cup fans arrive and want food. There is nothing within a half hour drive!
We headed back to the lodge to relax for a bit. We would figure out dinner later.
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