Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back

GGo on a fascinating journey of discovery when you follow in the prehistoric footsteps of our hominid forefathers, to get a rare glimpse into our distant past in the region that early humans once called home.

The Taung Heritage Route is an area once occupied by early humans and features many sites that speak to the existence and evolution of our ancient ancestors. Spanning more than 45km, the route takes in several natural wonders, such as a limestone waterfall and the Blue Pools, a collection of natural rock basins, streams and caves in a lush river valley.

Did You Know?
AAcknowledged as one of the most significant scientific events of the day, the Taung skull promoted lively debate among academics in the field because it was evidence that human ancestors had lived on the continent more than a million years earlier than previously believed, which gave credence to the theory that humankind originated in Africa.

TThe route marks a location of significant scientific importance, for it was here, in 1924, encased in limestone in the Buxton quarry, that the 2.5-million-year-old fossilised skull of a hominid child was revealed. Professor Raymond Dart of the University of the Witwatersrand identified the skull as belonging to an early hominid, or ancient human ancestor, and named it Australopithecus africanus, or “Southern Ape of Africa”.

RRecent evidence has solved the mystery of the three-year-old child's death. It was most likely killed by a large bird of prey, probably an eagle. Looking up from the valley at the site's location, you can almost imagine these predatory birds riding the overhead thermals. The Taung skull discovery site is marked by a monument erected to mark the location. Nearby, an abandoned mine tunnel has been opened for exploration, allowing visitors to venture into the age-old limestone mountains.

Located in the Bophirima district of the North West province, the Taung Heritage Route is an initiative of South Africa's National Heritage Council.

Who to contact
How to get there
Best time to visit
Around the area
Where to stay
What's happening

Related articles

Breathtaking scenery

Khosi Tyobeka, Zimase Travel

Breathtaking scenery
Khosi Tyobeka, Zimase Travel
Khosi Tyobeka has built her business around making travelling easy and accessible. Her company, Zimasa Travel, provides tailor-made travel solutions; from planning to the execution of travel or conference needs. The award winning entrepreneur’s flair for business runs in her family. When she was growing up her mother operated a food business in their small village in the North West Province .
Breathtaking scenery

Sacred sites in South Africa

Breathtaking scenery
Sacred sites in South Africa
South Africa’s sacred sites stretch from Lake Fundudzi in Limpopo and eMakhosini in KwaZulu-Natal to the energy centres identified by spiritualists and mosques and temples.
Breathtaking scenery

5 destinations to add to your SA bucket list

Breathtaking scenery
5 destinations to add to your SA bucket list
5 unique destinations that combine culture, adventure and nature.
Breathtaking scenery

15 Honeymoon destinations that prove South Africa truly is for lovers

Breathtaking scenery
15 Honeymoon destinations that prove South Africa truly is for lovers
Where to honeymoon in South Africa, a truly unique destination.
Vibrant culture

Road trip for the Hops – breweries in North West

Vibrant culture
Road trip for the Hops – breweries in North West
Here are the top breweries to visit in the North West Province.
Vibrant culture

Why travel is good for kids' education – here are 13 SA spots that should be on every youth tour itinerary.

Vibrant culture
Why travel is good for kids' education – here are 13 SA spots that should be on every youth tour itinerary.
Why travel is good for kids' education – here are 13 SA spots that should be on every youth tour itinerary
Vibrant culture

How to have an authentic South African experience

Vibrant culture
How to have an authentic South African experience
South Africa offers a unique and authentic experience around every corner, in every province.
Vibrant culture

The art of storytelling in tourism

Vibrant culture
The art of storytelling in tourism
Storytelling has become a fantastic way to boost tourism - especially in South Africa that is thriving in culture and history.

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2023 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy