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Exploring the age of the super-continents
Gondwana Fossil Display
A fossil from the Gondwana Fossil Display.
© Maropeng
Did you know?
Gondwana was named after India's Gondwana region - the place where some of the super-continent's first fossils were found.
The Gondwana Fossil Display is a fascinating exhibit of fossils that talk to the early history of the Earth. Scientists theorise that around 250 million years ago, all the continents we know today were once connected in a giant land mass called Pangaea.
Around 50 million years later, the mass broke into two so-called super-continents - Gondwana and Laurasia. Africa was a core part of this mass, and was then joined to what is today South America, Australia, Antarctica, New Zealand, Madagascar and India.
It's believed the ancestors of modern reptiles, birds and marsupials roamed the land at that time. Many fossils of these animals have been discovered in various parts of the region, pointing conclusively not only to their existence in those early times, but also to that of the once giant super-continent.
It's this secret past that the Gondwana fossils at Maropeng uncover, providing an extraordinary glimpse into pre-historic life, long before man was able to capture images of the world around him. The display features a collection of priceless Gondwana fossils discovered in Africa, South America and the Indian subcontinent.
Among the exhibits are a skull of a Cynognathus, a ‘mammal-like' reptile likened to the present day wolf, and Lystrosaurus, a type of lizard.
The Gondwana Fossil Display is on show from 9 June until 31 July 2010, to coincide with the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. Coincidentally, you can also explore man's ancient past during this time with the first public viewing of the female Australopithecus sediba hominid fossil, which was found in the Cradle of Humankind area in 2008.
The female is believed to possibly be the mother of the first sediba fossil found here, that of a young boy who has since been nicknamed Karabo.
The Gondwana Fossil Display, together with the new sediba fossils, makes for an enthralling visit to Maropeng, and the opportunity to truly explore our ancient history like never before.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Maropeng Visitor Centre:
Tel: +27 (0) 14 577 9000
Email: info@maropeng.co.za
Web: www.maropeng.co.za
How to get here
Fly to Lanseria airport and then take the R28 to Krugersdorp, and then the R563 to Hekport – you’ll see the signs to Maropeng on the left. If you’re driving, from Cape Town take the N1 to Johannesburg and from Durban, the N3. In Johannesburg, take the N1 to Roodepoort, exiting at the 14th Avenue offramp. Stay on Hendrik Potgieter road (M47) until it meets a T-junction at the R563. Turn right and follow the signs to Maropeng.
Around the area
Visit sites in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and tour the surrounding Magalies Meander. This tourism route includes arts and crafts destinations, galleries, quaint country stores, adventure activities including hot air balloon rides and canopy tours, and game reserves.
Tours to do
Archaeological excavation sites, ‘underground’ boat ride, exhibitions and original fossil displays, all at the Maropeng Visitor Centre. Nearby, you can also visit and tour the Sterkfontein Caves and surrounding Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
What's happening
There are new exhibitions and displays being added all the time – check ahead of time what new exhibits have been planned.
