Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” – a fitting title for what is believed to be the birthplace of humankind. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to visit the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, this month Maropeng is inviting you to explore a restricted palaeontological dig, stargaze at the fascinating Taurus-Orion constellations, and enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch. They’ve also got a surprise for the kids…

Swartkrans Walking Tour: 18 January 2014

Swartkrans is one of the Cradle’s richest fossil sites. It has yielded the largest sample of Paranthropus robustus (in case you’re wondering what on earth that is, check out the photo below) and it is also significant for the earliest evidence of controlled fire use in Southern Africa – dating back 1 million years. The site is usually closed to the public, but on the specialised Swartkrans Tours, small groups will have the rare opportunity to observe an active palaeontological dig as they are guided around the site by scientist, Morris Sutton.

Age: Adults only
Time: 09:00
Venue: Meet at the Sterkfontein Caves before walking to Swartkrans.
Cost: R375 per person including a light picnic lunch.
Please note: This tour will only go ahead if there are a minimum of 7 people booked.

Summer Skies Stargazing: 25 January 2014

Did you know that 50% of the world’s population can’t see the stars because of pollution?! It’s a frightening statistic and all the more reason to appreciate South Africa’s spectacular stellar displays. If you have an interest in stargazing, book your spot at the “Our Summer Skies: Explore the Universe” evening to discover some amazing facts about the fascinating life-cycles of the stars.

The Taurus-Orion region is one of the night sky’s best “beginner” areas to start your astronomical journey. In this area you’ll see the Great Orion Nebula is a vast cloud of dust and gas, a “stellar nursery”, where four hot young stars were recently formed; the Seven Sisters (or Pleiades), an open cluster consisting of about 480 infant stars; Rigel, a huge young blue giant star burning its nuclear fuels at a very fast rate; and Beetlejuice, a 10 billion year old red giant star that is coming to the end of its life.

Maropeng’s resident astronomer, Vincent Nettmann, will assist you with observing the summer sky objects through a range of large aperture telescopes. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars to participate in the beginners’ laser guided sky tour. Remember to bring a warm jersey as the late evenings can get chilly.

Age: Adults only
Time: 18:00 with welcome drinks
Venue: Maropeng Boutique Hotel
Cost: R350 per person including the stargazing presentation and set menu.
Please note: The laser guided star tour and large aperture telescopic star-gazing are subject to weather conditions.

Carvery Lunch at Tumulus Restaurant: 19 & 26 January 2014

What better way to spend a Sunday than with a scenic drive and the reward of a mammoth lunch at the end of it? At Maropeng’s Tumulus Restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious buffet-style Sunday carvery lunch that includes a choice of two roast meats, salads, and desserts.

Adult buffet: R175
Children (5-12 years old): R95 for the buffet or R50 for the kiddies menu

Kiddies Birthday Parties (ongoing)

Looking for a new kiddies’ birthday party venue? Maropeng has put together a number of fun and educational party packages that cater for all ages. Children will be entertained by a guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves or Maropeng Visitor Centre, followed by supervised party games, while the grownups relax and enjoy the splendid surrounds. Optional party extras include a birthday cake, lunch pack, lucky packet, jumping castle, and child minders.

For more information contact (014) 577 9000 or visit www.maropeng.co.za.

Have you visited Maropeng?

Feature image supplied by Maropeng