Fossils discovered today provide numerous clues as to how life existed on Earth millions of years ago. Have you ever wondered how hominid families interacted with each other, or what the dynamics were between mother and child?

The discovery of Australopithecus sediba is likely to provide answers to at least some of these questions. Found in 2008, in the Malapa fossil site in the Cradle of Humankind, Australopithecus sediba is not only of vital importance in terms of piecing together the evidence for human evolution, but also serves as a reminder that there was a lot more to the lives of early hominids than cold, hard fossils tell us. The sediba fossils are speculated to be of a young child and its mother, who had both crawled into a cave – possibly in search of water – and died together, their remains lying undiscovered for nearly 2-million years.

Visit Maropeng this Mother’s Day and learn more about our fascinating journey from early hominids to the advanced Homo sapiens we are today. Enjoy a delicious carvery lunch at the Tumulus Restaurant for R175 per adult and R75 per child aged 5 – 12. A surprise gift will ensure that mom feels truly appreciated on this special day.

The hotel is also running a weekend accommodation special at R1 000 per person, per night, for dinner bed and breakfast.

Book online for the Mother's Day carvery lunch and the Mother's Day accommodation special. 

Maropeng is running a fantastic competition each week on Facebook.

Make sure that you like our Facebook page and stay tuned for details on how you could stand a chance to win.

As usual, Maropeng has made sure that there is something seriously fun-filled to do every weekend this month.

Cooper’s Cave picnic and walking tour: May 7

Learn how to make stone tools, among other things, with Christine Steininger on the Cooper’s Cave picnic and walking tour. This event is highly popular with children and is perfect for families who love spending quality time together outdoors. The cost of the walking tour is R350 per person which includes a delicious picnic buffet lunch.

Book online for the following dates: May 7, June 4 and July 2.

Swartkrans walking tour and picnic: May 14

Take advantage of a rare opportunity to explore Swartkrans, a fascinating fossil site that’s usually closed to the public. Observe an active palaeontological dig with scientist Morris Sutton and learn more about how hominids used fire. Please note that this event is for adults only.

Book online for the following dates: May 14, June 18 and August 20.

Stargazing – You are here: May 21

Have you ever tried to imagine how big the universe is? Its very scale is overwhelming when we realise that planet Earth is a tiny drop in the ocean of endless galaxies.

Learn more about our fascinating universe with Vincent Nettmann, Maropeng’s resident astronomer, at this month’s Stargazing event. The evening begins with sunset drinks on the Tumulus Restaurant deck, followed by an illustrated talk and delicious buffet carvery dinner.

End the evening by gazing up into the night sky through a range of large-aperture telescopes. The event costs R190 per adult and R90 per child (4 – 14 years) and includes dinner.

Book online for the following dates: May 21, June 25 and July 9.

Weekend Maropeng hotel accommodation special

Indulge in four-star luxury accommodation and breakfast on the Maropeng Boutique Hotel deck while enjoying glorious early morning mountain vistas. For a really relaxing experience combine a sojourn in the Cradle of Humankind with a choice of exciting options from our Easter lineup.

Book online for the following outings:
• Cooper’s Cave May 7
• Swartkrans May 14
• Stargazing May 21

If you haven't booked yet, there is still time to get away to Maropeng for some wonderful family fun at the Cradle of Humankind. Enjoy a delicious Easter carvery lunch from April 22 – 27 at the Tumulus Restaurant. Reasonably priced at only R135 per adult and R75 per child – as well as a kiddies' menu option for only R50 – this hearty meal is sure to hit the spot after all that Easter chocolate! The Tumulus Restaurant is also running a special Easter competition in which diners could win a host of incredible prizes.

There is also a fantastic accommodation special running at the Maropeng Boutique Hotel. For only R1 000 per person ,sharing, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, a night's accommodation and breakfast the next morning.

This offer is valid from Friday, April 22 to Wednesday, April 27. Please note that you need to book for two nights to take advantage of this special.

Book online for the Easter carvery lunch and the Easter accommodation special.

Maropeng is excited to announce the inaugural Cradle Festival that will take place at the visitor centre from May 6 – 15, 2011. In partnership with Leverage Corporation, the Cradle of Humankind Management Authority, the West Rand District Municipality and Kagiso TV, the Cradle Festival promises loads of entertainment and fun outdoor activities for the whole family.

Tickets for the festival are R50 for adults and R25 for children and if you would like to visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre while at the festival, there will be a discounted rate of R92 for adults and R52 for children.

For more information visit www.cradlefestival.co.za