 The
Taung World Heritage Site Extension
The Taung Heritage Site is the archaeological site where the
fossilised skull of a young child was discovered by miners in
1924 and taken to the noted archaeologist Dr Raymond Dart. The
finding of the Taung skull (Australopithecus africanus)
at the Buxton quarry, in the North West Province, was noted
to be one of the most significant archaeological accomplishments
of the time. Some rather serious debate arose, both in support
of, and against Dr Raymond Dart’s belief that this hominid represented
the "missing link" between apes and humans.
The find effectively advanced the evidence of the existence
of early man in Africa by more than a million years. This fossilised
skull was the first Australopithecus specimen and had a brain
larger than a chimp’s but smaller than a human’s. This would
appear to support Dart’s "missing link" interpretation.
This renowned site was recently proclaimed a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and is dedicated to the discovery of the juvenile
hominid skull. The famous Taung skull was returned from Witwatersrand
University to the site of its discovery and has undoubtedly
become one of the area’s major attractions. In addition, a monument
to the discovery has been set up and an old mine tunnel has
been opened for exploration.
As far as the Buxton quarry is concerned, it is no longer being
mined, but continues to be a significant site for scientific
research and it also provides visitors the opportunity to unwind
in a place of great peace and tranquility.
Besides for the archaeologically significant sites, the Taung
Heritage site and the village of Taung present numerous alternative
spots that regularly attract tourists. The Taung Dam is an attractive
picnic area situated a short distance from the village. Also
on the outskirts of the village, is the Mmabana Arts & Culture
Centre, a modern cultural outreach to the community, which provides
skills training in a wide range of artistic disciplines. Those
interested in agriculture will marvel at the transformation
of the dry Harts River valley into an intensive farming region,
through the provision of water supplied by a system of canals
from the Bloemhof Dam. And these are but a few of the beauties
to be explored.
The Cradle of Humankind (Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein,
Swartkrans, Kromdraai, & Environs)
The Cradle of Humankind is a listed World Heritage Site, shared
between the South African provinces of Gauteng and the North
West. Here one can explore the amazing finds that have led some
of the world’s leading palaeo-anthropologists and archaeologists
to suggest that humankind first appeared in this corner of Africa.
Meet the famous "Mrs. Ples"; the lesser-known, but
equally significant "Mr. Ples" and the amazing "Little
Foot".
Nature-based tourism is the fastest growing segment of the
international tourism market and ther e is an increasing demand
for a single experience which encompasses natural, cultural
and historical tourism. The Cradle of Humankind not only fulfils,
but exceeds all these needs.
This site is easily accessible, being situated only 45 minutes
from Pretoria and Johannesburg, and is located a mere hour from
Johannesburg International Airport.
Some of the activities offered to eager visitors of the area
include cave tours to learn about humankind’s evolution, game
drives, mountain bike trails, overnight hiking trails, craft
rambles and a host of other ACTIVITIES.
The Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site
Approximately 2 023 million years ago a massive meteorite struck
the earth several kilometers above the present day village of
Vredefort. The impact created a crater some 300 km in diameter,
also encompassing the entire extent of the Witwatersrand basin
between Johannesburg in the north-east and Welkom in the south-west.
Vredefort is the world’s largest and oldest known impact structure.
Today, this gigantic crater is deeply eroded after 2 billion
years of geological activity. The Vredefort Dome represents
the deep root of the central uplift of the impact structure,
providing a stunning impression of the violent rock deformation
caused by this impact. What is more, it represents a rare window
into the deeper levels of the earth’s crust, magnificently exposed
in numerous outcrops and even quarries.
The Vredefort Dome is known for its unique natural beauty
and is considered to be one of the province’s prime adventure
tourism destinations, probably because of its outstanding geological,
archaeological and historical heritage.
The restored mining village at Venterskroon provides a fascinating
insight into the pioneering days of gold mining. There are also
numerous places in the scenic Vredefort Mountain Land where
remnants of Iron Age habitation and Anglo-Boer War history can
be studied.
Potchefstroom, the historic university town, lies to the north
of Vredefort. Here one can take a walk through the centre of
town to enjoy the remarkable colonial architecture.
West of Potchefstroom are the towns of Stilfontein and Klerksdorp.
Even further west is the farming and alluvial diamond mining
town of Wolmaransstad. The next stop is the village of Bloemhof,
where the well-renowned Bloemhof Dam is located. Along the banks
of the Dam is the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve that hosts all
the main antelope species and is a wonderful place to enjoy
a change of pace after a long drive.
The next town is Christiana on the banks of the Vaal River.
This is an important agricultural centre and the point of departure
to the village of Taung. Carrying on along the N18,you will
be taken north to Vryburg and finally, on to the North West
capital, Mafikeng. |
Archaeological sites
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