Makweti Safari Lodge guests to investigate their roots in the Cradle of Humankind
The discovery of new human relative species fossil in the Cradle of Humankind, just a three-hour drive from Makweti, has once again brought the origin of mankind into question.
As experts speculate as to the exact age of the Homo naledi fossils, and what their discovery means for our understanding of the progress of human evolution, there is no doubt they have rekindled an interest in where we, as humans, come from.
Here at Makweti Safari Lodge, we’re well acquainted with the story of human evolution. Situated in the Waterberg, a UNESCO recognised Biosphere Reserve, with evidence of human ancestors as early as three million years ago; Makweti is ideally located to explore San rock art. Bushman paintings in the area date back around two thousand years and depict mesmerising scenes of the spiritual world that San men purported to experience when entering a trance-like state through dance.
Maropeng, the official visitor’s centre of the Cradle of Humankind, is a three-hour drive from Makweti Safari Lodge and the Naledi fossils will be on display here. This makes it the ideal stop-over for our guests travelling from Johannesburg and we’d like to suggest you gain an introduction to the story of humankind by turning this into a day trip.
Start in Johannesburg and spend the morning at Maropeng before continuing onto Makweti Safari Lodge in the afternoon. Alternatively, spend the whole day exploring Maropeng and retire to Forum Homini Hotel on the Letamo Game Estate in Muldersdrift for the night. The five star hotel’s Roots Restaurant is a must for foodies, offering a luxurious take on modern South African dining.
Maropeng is a World Heritage Site with around 40 fossil-bearing caves, including the Rising Star Cave system, where Homo naledi was discovered, and has produced some of the oldest hominin fossils ever found – some over 3.5 million years old. We promise it will be a day filled with thought-provoking matter that leaves you with much to discuss over dinner.
Safe travels and see you soon,
The Makweti Team