Kromdraai fossil site
Archaeological Site Paleoanthropological site with hominin fossils near Johannesburg
The Kromdraai fossil site in Gauteng forms part of the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO area, noted for early hominin remains and guided tours of excavation areas and interpretation at nearby visitor centres.
The Kromdraai fossil site is a palaeontological locality in Gauteng province, South Africa, that forms part of the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage area. It is known for well-preserved early hominin fossils.
Kromdraai contains fossil-bearing breccia deposits and karstic exposures where human and animal remains have been recovered. The site itself is managed for conservation and research and is interpreted as part of the wider Cradle of Humankind tourism and education network.
Systematic finds at Kromdraai began in the 1930s; palaeontologist Robert Broom recognised hominin material there and subsequent excavations recovered specimens assigned to Paranthropus robustus. The deposits date to the early Pleistocene, roughly around 2 million years ago.
Located in Gauteng within the Cradle of Humankind region west of Johannesburg, Kromdraai sits among a cluster of fossil sites that together illustrate the area’s rich palaeoanthropological record.
- Key discovery: Site yielded the first identified Paranthropus robustus specimens; major discoveries began in the late 1930s.
What to See #
- Kromdraai A: Kromdraai A, the principal fossil-bearing deposit where a number of early hominin remains have been recovered.
- Conservation area: Protected veld and karst exposures that form part of the wider Cradle of Humankind fossil landscape and conservation area.
How to Get to Kromdraai fossil site #
Kromdraai fossil site is part of the Cradle of Humankind near Krugersdorp in Gauteng, about 45-55 km northwest of Johannesburg (roughly a 1-1.5 hour drive). By car take the N14 west from Johannesburg toward Krugersdorp, then follow the local roads and signs to the Cradle of Humankind/Kromdraai area (local routes include the R28/M36/R563 corridors); there is visitor parking and a short walk from the car park to the fossil site.
There is limited regular public transit to the site-most visitors arrive by private car or on organized tours from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Tips for Visiting Kromdraai fossil site #
- Best time: arrive at opening on a weekday morning to avoid the heat and tour-bus crowds and to combine the visit with other Cradle of Humankind sites while light is best for viewing the landscape.
- Entrance/access: Kromdraai is part of the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO complex-plan your visit together with Maropeng/Sterkfontein and check those centres for combined tickets and guided-tour options.
- What most visitors miss: ask guides about the broader palaeoanthropological context and recent finds-interpretive displays at nearby visitor centres (Maropeng/Sterkfontein) provide important background that makes the small site more meaningful.
- Avoiding crowds: book any guided tours in advance and schedule Kromdraai as the first stop of the day before the larger Sterkfontein groups arrive.
Best Time to Visit Kromdraai fossil site #
Visit during the dry winter months (April-September) for clearer skies, firmer ground and easier walking around the fossil excavations.
Weather & Climate near Kromdraai fossil site #
Kromdraai fossil site's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 2°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (722 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
