Cradle Nature Reserve

About Cradle Nature Reserve

The Cradle of Humankind, just outside Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng, is believed by a number of scientists, archaeologists and anthropologists to be the very origin of the modern day race of human beings owing to fossils discovered here.

Did you know? Situated on the Kromdraai Road in the Cradle of Humankind, the Cradle Nature Reserve is open daily from 08h00 to 22h00

Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cradle Nature Reserve is a private entity nestled within this area of great social and historical import.

The Cradle Nature Reserve covers an area of 3 000 hectares, which includes a delightful array of plant and wildlife species representing the diversity of South Africa. The wildlife within this private reserve includes white rhino, giraffe, brown hyena and wildebeest, as well as the elusive, but always elegant, leopard.

In addition, there are more than 200 different bird species that have been recorded within the borders of the reserve. This makes The Cradle an enormously popular spot amongst those with a passion for bird watching.

In terms of the vegetation, the assortment of species is nothing short of breath-taking. There are also a number of sites that showcase the paleontological and archaeological value of the area. These are fantastic to explore and experience, adding a sense of depth and intrigue to your Cradle adventure.

To get the most out of your time at The Cradle Nature Reserve, game drives and bush walks can be arranged. These allow you to explore the area at different paces, and to gain special insights into the abundance and assortment of fauna and flora. There are also paleontological tours, which reveal the wonders of the fossilised remains that have hailed from this area and what they imply about its ancient history.