Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve

Best of Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve

Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve Essentials

The Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected site, encompasses the Cradle of Humankind and the ancient Magaliesberg mountain range. This list features the Sterkfontein and Kromdraai caves, where critical hominid fossils were discovered, alongside the Tumulus building at Maropeng. Natural highlights include the Hartbeespoort Dam and the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, a pioneer in cheetah conservation. Cultural insights are found at Lesedi Cultural Village, while Breedt's Nek Pass offers vistas from the range’s highest traversable point.

Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve Essentials — Map

Mike Peel / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Sterkfontein

Sterkfontein is a set of limestone caves of special interest in paleoanthropology located in Gauteng province, about 40 kilometres…

NJR ZA / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Maropeng Cradle of Humankind Museum. The Tumulus building

The official visitor center for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The Tumulus building houses interactive exhibits detailing the history of Earth and the evolution of hominids through fossil displays and an underground boat ride.

NJR ZA / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Hartebeespoort Dam

Hartbeespoort Dam is an arch type dam situated in the North West Province of South Africa.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

D

DeWild - The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

Established in 1971, this facility focuses on the conservation and captive breeding of cheetahs and African wild dogs. It is credited with bringing the South African cheetah back from the brink of extinction and offers guided educational tours.

Stephantom / CC BY 3.0

E

Lesedi Cultural Village

A cultural heritage site showcasing the traditional homesteads and customs of the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele peoples. It features live dance performances, craft markets, and traditional South African cuisine.

Bothar / Public domain

F

Bothongo WonderCave

The Bothongo WonderCave in Kromdraai, Gauteng, South Africa is situated within the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve in the Cradle of…

Profberger / CC BY 2.5

G

Kromdraai

Kromdraai is a fossil-bearing breccia-filled cave located about 2 kilometres east of the well-known South African hominid-bearing site of…

NJR ZA / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Kosmos Village

Kosmos is a village in the North West Province of South Africa. It is situated on the western bank of the Hartbeespoort Dam.

I

Breedt's Nek Pass

A steep mountain pass reaching an elevation of 1,515 meters in the Magaliesberg range. It connects Magaliesburg with Marikana and provides expansive views of the surrounding biosphere and the Buffelspoort Dam.

J

Carnivor Restaurant

An African-themed restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled game meats. The menu features a variety of meats, including kudu, impala, and crocodile, carved table-side from Masaai spears in a large open-air dining area.