Makapansgat (Makapan's Caves) - nr Mokopane, Limpopo

The Makapansgat Caves, located near Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus) in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, are an important archaeological and paleoanthropological site. They form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Cradle of Humankind and have yielded some of the most significant fossil finds in human evolution.

Makapansgat, Makapansgat limeworks, Cave Of Hearths & Hyaena Cave, Rainbow Cave, Ficus Cave & Iron Age Site, Pepperconnes Cave, Buffalo Cave. Now that's a list of caves to be found is one area! These caves and archaeological and fossil sites are situated on the farm Makapansgat 15km north of Mokopane in the Limpopo Province. All of these cave have important roles to play in the historical existance and habitats of both pre-historic human and ape-man dating back to over 3 million years (in the case of the Limeworks). The Cave Of Hearths however houses evidence of human history dating through the Early Stone Age in the oldest layers of sediment, through the Middle Stone Age, the Later Stone Age and up to the Iron Age. For those interested in the history of mankind as we know it, this is an ideal place to spend some time "digging" into our history.

One of the caves, Historic Cave or Makapansgat, has a role in the more recent history of South Africa. After the murders of Voortrekkers at Moorddrift, Mapela and Pruizen, in 1854 a clash between a Boer Commando and local Langa and Kekana people. Along with a group of tribesmen and cattle, the Chief Makapan laid the Boer Commando siege in the cave for over a month between October and November 1854. Many of the Commando died of hunger and thirst during the siege but none was more greatly noted than the death of Piet Potgieter who was shot during this siege. The nearby town of Vredenburg (not to be confused with the town in the Western Cape) was later renamed Potgietersrus, and the cave was declared a National monument in 1936.

Key Features of the Makapansgat Caves:

1. Archaeological Significance: The caves are particularly renowned for their fossils dating back millions of years. Excavations have revealed evidence of early hominins, including Australopithecus africanus, making it an important site in the study of human evolution.

2. Prehistoric Occupation: In addition to hominin fossils, tools and artifacts from early human ancestors have been found, giving insight into their behavior and survival strategies. The caves also hold a record of human occupation over thousands of years.

3. Cultural and Historical Importance: The caves were also the site of the Makapansgat Massacre, where Ndebele people were besieged by Boer forces during the 19th-century conflicts. There is evidence of ancient human communities using the caves as shelters and places of refuge.

4. Fossil Finds: One of the most famous finds from Makapansgat is the "Makapansgat Pebble," a stone that resembles a human face, believed to have been collected by early hominins due to its appearance.

Visiting Makapansgat Caves:

The site is not just an important archaeological location but also a natural landmark surrounded by beautiful scenery. Guided tours are often available to give visitors insight into the caves' historical and scientific significance.

Contact Details for Makapansgat Caves:
Location: 15 km northeast of Mokopane, Limpopo, South Africa
Phone: +27 (15) 491 8000 (Mokopane Information Centre)
Email: info@mokopane.co.za (for tourism inquiries)
Website: https://www.golimpopo.com (Contact through the Limpopo Tourism Agency)

It is advisable to contact the local tourism office or information center in Mokopane ahead of time to arrange visits or guided tours, as the caves are a protected site.