Cradle of Humankind

After leaving Madagascar early due to the approaching cyclone, we spent a day touring Johannesburg aka "Joburg". There, we visited Maropeng Museum for an exclusive viewing of the Naledi fossil display in the Cradle of Humankind. Maropeng means "returning to the place of origin" in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this area of South Africa. Our group was accompanied by National Geographic Explorer in Residence Lee Berger who has made what has been hailed as the most important archaeological discoveries in recent history... two new species of human ancestors. 

Lee Berger outside the Almost Human exhibit.

Through a private showing of the museum display, we saw some footage of the excavation which was actually live streamed on social media as well as the fossils themselves. With at least 15 individuals of all ages and both sexes, these fossils add to our understanding of early human evolution in Africa. The scientists who excavated the remains were dubbed "underground astronauts" due to the treacherous conditions and extremely narrow cave systems they had to navigate. The species was named Homo Naledi, after the Sesotho word for "star" since the cave site is called Rising Star. This find was first reported in 2015, so the discovery and research is still ongoing.

Fossil display inside the Almost Human exhibit.

After the Maropeng Museum, we were incredibly fortunate to have private access to the Rising Star Cave where Lee and his team made this amazing discovery. The Rising Star site is near many other archaeological sites that have been excavated again and again, but this cave system was untouched.

Walking down a long pathway to the Rising Star Cave.

After walking to the Rising Star Cave on private property (which was bought from a farmer and then restored with newly planted trees), it was time to gear up with helmets. 

Helmets provided for our group.

We passed through a small entrance, and walked down a narrow path with tree branches overhead.

Entrance into the Rising Star Cave.

Warning sign.

We then started walking down into the cave...

Descending into the cave.

We ducked under a short entrance...

Opening to the cave.

And then we were inside. Parts of the wall had been blown off by miners, but the miners had only gone into the cave where there was still natural light.

Looking up.

Of course, I had to take a picture with Lee Berger inside the cave. Before we left, Lee Berger gave some advice... "Do not think a place has been discovered even if a million people have been there".

With Lee Berger inside the cave.

From there, it was on to Cape Town!

Flying over Joburg.