Cradle of Humankind

Scientists believe that the origin of modern-day humans rests here. A World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind offers visitors the chance to view over a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossilised remains of ancient animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. The vast nature reserve that covers over 3,000 hectares presents a delightful array of plants, animals and bird species; taking a hot air balloon ride (if weather permits) can be an amazing way to view the wildlife.

Sterkfontein Caves

Sit­u­at­ed just 20 minutes from Dalens Self Catering Apartments, the Sterk­fontein Caves are world-famous for their fos­sil finds and are a pop­u­lar vis­i­tor destination. After an exten­sive facelift in 2005, the Sterk­fontein Caves site is now home to a top restau­rant, offer­ing easy access to the caves with mod­ern walk­ways and a board­walk past the exca­va­tion site where glob­al­ly acclaimed fos­sils have been discovered.

For opening times and admission prices please click here.

Restaurants in the area

Situated in the picturesque Cradle of Humankind, Dalen’s offers the perfect base for exploring a variety of exceptional dining experiences. Create the romantic date of a lifetime by pairing your stay with a visit to some of the region’s finest country and fine dining restaurants:
 Culinary Table – 4 km
 Lanseria Airport (Kaui, Wimpy, Wiesenhof) – 4 km
 The Fat Olive – 3 km
 Kloofzicht – 13 km
 The Cradle Restaurant – 5 km
 Bellgables – 6 km
 Cradle Moon – 6 km
 Copper Lake Breweries – 12 km
 Maggie’s Farm / Clay Café – 3 km
 The Other Side Country Restaurant – 10 km
 Bidon Bistro – 12 km
 Toadbury Hall – 2 km

 Lethabo Estate – 8 km
 And Then There Was Fire – 14 km

De Wildt Cheetah & Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary’s breeding programme, which began in 1971, has played an important role in the survival of cheetah in South Africa. Besides cheetah, the centre has also successfully bred African Wild Dog, Brown Hyena and Cape Vulture. There are three hour guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the sanctuary is open every day of the week and on public holidays. The sanctuary lies in the foothills of the Magaliesberg, close to Brits and Hartbeespoort Dam, and is just 45km from Lanseria Airport.

Harties Cableway

The Harties Cableway is the longest mono-cableway in Africa, certainly giving the Table Mountain Cableway a run for its money. The Harties Cableway is the perfect alternative for travellers looking for a relaxed nature trip in Gauteng, offering panoramic views of the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains. Visitors can also enjoy educational mountain walks or relax in the shopping and dining areas. The KidZone play area offers younger visitors lots of fun.

Clay Café at Maggies Farm

The newly opened Clay Café at Maggie’s Farm, just 3 km from Dalen’s, adds a delightful twist to your visit. Maggie’s Farm has long been cherished for its delicious fudge, home-baked treats, renowned pies, and charming arts and crafts. Now, with the addition of the Clay Café, you can also tap into your creative side and explore pottery and art while enjoying the farm’s warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you are indulging in their culinary delights or
unleashing your artistic flair, Maggie’s Farm remains a must-visit destination.

Wondercave

The Wondercave is a pristine World Heritage Site in the midst of the Cradle of Humankind and boasts formations enough to take your breath away. The Wondercave is open from 09h00 until 16h00 on Tue – Fri and 09h00 until 17h00 over weekends and public holidays and the tours leave every hour on the hour! The Wondercave has its own restaurant with a small a-la-carte menu to be enjoyed with breathtaking views of the Cradle of Humankind.  

Rhino and Lion Park

The Rhino and Lion Park is situated in the Cradle of Humankind due North of Krugersdorp on the Kromdraai Road, the D540, 45 minutes from both Johannesburg Central & Pretoria.

Lanseria International Airport

Lanseria International Airport is the only privately-owned airport in South Africa and, what was once a grass strip airfield used as an executive airport for corporate travelers, has now become the gateway to amazing African adventures. Hop off the plane, into your rental car and explore these top 10 attractions in and around Lanseria at your own pace

Happy Island

Happy Island is being promoted as one of Africa’s largest Water Parks and it’s only 16min (17km) from Dalens Self Catering Apartments. We’re extremely excited about it opening as it adds yet another incredible attraction to the Cradle of Humankind, Lanseria area, for our guests to explore and enjoy. Click here for directions.