8 August 2027 – 12 days for £5,995 per person
Register for 2028 and we will contact you when confirmed details, including dates and prices, are available.
A rare opportunity for just 12 guests to step directly into the story of human origins. Set in South Africa’s UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind, the journey blends active participation in real fossil excavations with behind-the-scenes access to laboratories and world-class research institutions. More than a sightseeing trip, this is an immersive scientific adventure where guests contribute to ongoing discoveries that shape our understanding of human evolution.
The Cradle of Humankind is one of the most important palaeoanthropological landscapes on Earth. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is widely regarded as the birthplace of humankind, preserving an extraordinary record of our earliest ancestors. More than 40 per cent of the world’s known hominin fossils have been discovered within this remarkable region, making it central to our understanding of human evolution and origins. For anyone interested in these fascinating topics, there is no place quite like it.
At the heart of this experience is the chance to excavate side by side with leading scientists, José Braga, Job Kibii and Bernard Zipfel, the renowned researchers directing hominid work at the iconic Kromdraai and Sterkfontein cave sites. These are the very sites that have shaped our understanding of early human evolution, and your participation directly supports their ongoing research.
This is ideally suited for curious travellers, science enthusiasts, students, educators and lifelong learners with an interest in human evolution, archaeology and field science. No prior excavation experience is required – just enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty in the pursuit of discovery.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel and Ancient Odysseys.
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg and meet the group
Arrive in Johannesburg, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and a dynamic hub of history, culture and innovation. Built on the world’s richest gold reef, it has grown into a vibrant metropolis where cutting-edge science, creative energy and complex social history intersect. From renowned universities and museums to diverse neighbourhoods and thriving arts scenes, Johannesburg offers a compelling gateway to understanding both South Africa’s past and its future.
In the evening, you will gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel. This relaxed introduction provides an opportunity to meet fellow travellers and hear an overview of the scientific journey ahead.
Day 2: Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits University
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits University, a leading centre for palaeontological, palaeoanthropological and archaeological research. It was established in 1937 and has since become a hub for multidisciplinary research exploring the origins of species and the history of life on Earth. The institute is home to significant fossil collections and plays a crucial role in understanding the evolution of modern human behaviour and changes in biodiversity.
The morning’s discoveries are followed by a relaxed lunch at the Wits Club’s Olives & Plates restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to relax before your upcoming fieldwork at active excavation sites.
Days 3 to 6: Excavation and lab work at Kromdraai fossil dig site and Sterkfontein caves
During the course of your time working at the Cradle of Humankind, your days will follow a similar rhythm as you split into two smaller groups to conduct fieldwork and labwork at both the Kromdraai fossil dig site and Sterkfontein caves, one of the world’s most important hominin fossil sites. This rotation ensures all participants experience work at both sites, offering a deeper appreciation of the full scientific process – from excavation in the field to analysis in the laboratory – while immersed in the extraordinary landscape of the Cradle of Humankind.
Kromdraai is very rich in fossils and, as you work hands-on alongside Dr. José Braga, you will have a 100 per cent chance of finding hominid and/or animal fossils, with a high potential for discovering significant specimens​​.
At Kromdraai, your daily tasks will include:​​
- Carefully spotting fossils in situ using a laser theodolite to record the exact location of all finds
- Sieving removed sediment to make sure that no fossils have been missed
- Working in the on-site fossil preparation laboratory to sort and clean the finds made during the excavations
- You will be equipped with all tools needed, including a trowel, brush and hovel​​
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Sterkfontein caves have produced some of South Africa's most famous hominid fossils, including Mrs. Ples and the almost complete Australopithecus fossil Little Foot. You'll be taken on a fully guided in-depth tour of the dark and mysterious Sterkfontein cave system, learn about its geology and palaeontology, and see where famous hominid fossils were found.
During your days on site at Sterkfontein, you'll be working under the close guidance of Job Kibii, head of Sterkfontein caves.
At Sterkfontein, your daily tasks will include:
- Sorting microfauna found at the site
- Preparing fossils from the site
- ​Labwork including taphonomy identification process and documentation
- Each participant is equipped with all tools and training needed
Each day includes lunch. You'll return to the hotel every day at around 4 pm.
This rotation ensures all participants experience both sites, gaining a deeper and well-rounded understanding of this extraordinary World Heritage area.
Day 7: Gladysvale and Malapa fossil sites, Malapa Museum and afternoon game drive
Today, you’ll enjoy an exclusive private guided tour in an open game-drive vehicle to the renowned Gladysvale and Malapa fossil sites, located within the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind. This immersive experience brings the story of human origins to life as you walk in the footsteps of our hominin ancestors, exploring dramatic landscapes shaped by ancient geology, underground waterways and fossil-rich “death traps”. Set within a pristine 9000-hectare reserve of high-altitude dolomitic grasslands, the area is also home to diverse wildlife, including antelope species, leopards and brown hyenas.
Enjoy lunch at the Cradle Restaurant.
After lunch, you will visit the Malapa Museum and explore the geological origins of the region to gain a deeper understanding of the 3-million-year fossil bearing history of this wilderness. You will also learn about famous fossils including Australopithecus sediba and view reconstructions of the ancestors of wild dogs, false sabre tooth cats and giant hyenas that once roamed the dolomitic hills of the Highveld, whose fossils have been found in the caves of the region.
The afternoon concludes with a scenic game drive through the surrounding Cradle of Humankind landscape. As you traverse rolling grasslands and rocky outcrops, keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, kudus, eland and various antelope species, as well as warthogs, ostriches and abundant birdlife. With luck, you may also encounter white rhinos or glimpse smaller predators such as jackals or caracals.
Day 8: Wits Origins Centre Museum and Soweto tour
The morning visit to the Wits Origins Centre Museum provides a powerful synthesis of science, culture and art, showcasing Africa’s deep human history through interactive exhibits.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided 2-hour tuk-tuk tour of Soweto, one of South Africa’s most historically significant and culturally dynamic communities. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour offers thoughtful context and lived perspectives on South Africa’s recent history and Soweto’s role in shaping the nation’s social, political and cultural identity.
Days 9 to 11: Excavation and lab work at Kromdraai fossil dig site and Sterkfontein caves
These days follow the same schedule and activities as outlined for days 3 to 6.
Day 12: Johannesburg departure
After breakfast, transfers are provided to Johannesburg's airport for departure, where you will leave with a deeper understanding of human origins and the rare experience of having participated directly in palaeoanthropological research.
This itinerary wouldn't be possible without our partnership with GENUS Paleosciences.
