Makapansgat Archaeological Site
Karst cave and paleoanthropological site with early hominin fossils
In Limpopo's Makapan Valley, Makapansgat is an archaeological site with limestone caves and fossil deposits tied to early hominins; visitors explore interpretive trails, viewpoints and nearby heritage museums.
Makapansgat at a Glance#
Address: Makapansgat (Makapansgat Valley), Limpopo Province, South Africa
Tips for Visiting Makapansgat#
- Makapansgat is an archaeological/palaeontological site with access restrictions-contact local tourism offices or site managers in Limpopo to arrange guided access or permits before you go.
- Plan visits in the cooler months or mornings for more comfortable conditions and arrange a guide to understand the significance of the fossil finds and cave sites, as unguided access may be prohibited.
Best Time to Visit Makapansgat#
Visit in the dry months (roughly April-October) for cooler, drier conditions and easier access to outdoor sites.
Wet (summer)
Nov-Mar · 20-35°C
Hot and humid with summer thunderstorms-vegetation is lush but heavy rains can make trails slippery.
Dry (autumn to spring)
Apr-Oct · 10-25°C
Cooler, drier and generally the best time for visiting archaeological features and for easier walking and visibility.
Weather & Climate near Makapansgat#
Climate
Makapansgat's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 4°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (677 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
Air Quality:
AQI 57
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberOctoberApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.3 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.3h |
| February | Very Good | 15° - 26° | 20° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.8h |
| March | Very Good | 14° - 25° | 19° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 2.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 11° - 23° | 17° | 40 mm | some cloud | 64% | 1.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| May | Excellent | 7° - 21° | 14° | 15 mm | clear | 56% | 1.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| June | Excellent | 4° - 19° | 11° | 6 mm | clear | 57% | 1.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.5h |
| July | Excellent | 4° - 19° | 11° | 6 mm | clear | 54% | 2.1 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.7h |
| August | Excellent | 6° - 21° | 14° | 6 mm | clear | 48% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.2h |
| September | Ideal | 10° - 24° | 17° | 18 mm | clear | 45% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.8h |
| October | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 19° | 53 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| November | Very Good | 14° - 25° | 20° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 3.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.2h |
| December | Very Good | 15° - 26° | 20° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 2.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.5h |
