The area to the west of Jo’burg is one of the world’s most important palaeontological zones, focused around the Sterkfontein hominid fossil fields. The area is part of the 47,000-hectare Cradle of Humankind, which is listed for preservation by Unesco. Most Jo’burg-based tour operators offer full- and half-day tours of the area, but it's also an easy drive if you have your own wheels.
