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Maropeng

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Crawling through caves… yeah, not something I would usually do. However these caves from part of the whole Maropeng experience – and I had to have the whole experience.

They will ask who suffers of from claustrophobia, asthma, knee or back problems. My husband and I were the only ones to raise our hands for asthma, knee and back problems *shame*. We however managed fine even with the loads of steps and places we had to crouch-walk.

The Sterkfontein Caves are famous for fossil-finds and is owned by the University of the Witwatersrand or University of Johannesburg as it is know as today). Scientists from this university are responisible for notable discoveries at the caves – including Mrs Ples.

The tours start above ground, but once inside the cave you will have a dimly lit tour.

The most spectacular part of the tour is the underwater lake with its iridescent water. Other highlights include stalactites and stalagmites.

What you need to know before you go:

  • Take a torch
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • There are many tours throughout the day, but you can book beforehand

Walk through almost 100 statues of icons from South Africa’s past at Maropeng. The Long March to Freedom public art exhibition is a must-see with its life-sized bronze statues. This exhibition was previously housed at the Fountains Valley Resort in Pretoria but thanks to an agreement with the National Heritage Project Company it found a temporary home at Maropeng.

It is rumoured to be the largest outdoor exhibition anywhere in the world – and with an estimated value of around R100-million! The statues will eventually grow into a procession of over 400 bronze statues over time.

You can walk through the loosely spaced statues and snap selfies with chiefs, missionaries and freedom fighters like Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela. The statues depict figures dating back as far as the 1700s. The details on the statues are spectacular – so pay attention.

How much does it cost to visit The Long March to Freedom exhibition:

The Long March to Freedom exhibition is absolutely free to visit currently. You can opt to visit the Maropeng exhibition while you are here – this however does have a price tag.