Location: South Africa
Season: October 25, 2025 to November 3, 2026
Session Dates: October 25-November 3, 2026
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://www.ancientodysseys.com/cradleofhumankindhomidddig
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
WITS University, GENUS
Project Director:
Jose Braga and Job Kibii
Project Description:
Cradle of Humankind Human Ancestors Dig in South Africa at Kromdraai and Sterkfontein Caves
The Cradle of Humankind is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites on Earth. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is widely regarded as the birthplace of humanity, with more than 40% of the world’s known human ancestor fossils discovered within its limestone caves. For anyone interested in human evolution and origins, there is no place quite like it.
This rare and exclusive itinerary offers the opportunity to participate directly in excavations at this extraordinary location. As you work in the field, you’ll quite literally journey through deep time, uncovering evidence that helps tell the story of where we come from.
At the heart of the experience is the chance to excavate side by side with leading scientists—José Braga, Job Kibii, and Bernard Zipfel—the renowned researchers directing hominid work at the iconic Kromdraai and Sterkfontein cave sites. These are the very sites that have shaped our understanding of early human evolution, and your participation directly supports their ongoing research.
Discoveries at the Cradle of Humankind span an incredible range of time, with hominid remains dating from 2 to 4 million years ago, alongside evidence of Early, Middle, and Later Stone Age activity, as well as Early and Late Iron Age occupation. Together, these findings reveal how our ancestors lived, what they ate, and the animals and plants that once shared their world—offering a rare, tangible connection to humanity’s deep past.
During the course of your time working at the Cradle of Humankind, your days will follow a similar rhythm as you divide into two smaller groups to conduct fieldwork and labwork at both the Kromdraai fossil dig site, and Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world’s most important hominin fossil sites. This rotation ensures all participants experience work at both sites, offering a deeper appreciation of the full scientific process—from excavation in the field to analysis in the laboratory—while immersed in the extraordinary landscape of the Cradle of Humankind.
Kromdraai is very rich in fossils and as you work hands-on alongside Dr. Braga, you will have a 100% chance of finding hominid and/or animal fossils with a high potential for discovering significant specimens.
At Kromdraai your daily tasks will include:
Fossils found in situ are carefully located using a laser theodolite to record the exact location of all finds
All removed sediment will be sieved to make sure that no fossils have been missed
Work in the on-site fossil preparation laboratory to sort and clean the finds made during the excavations
You will be equipped with all tools needed, including a trowel, brush and hovel
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Sterkfontein Cave has produced some of South Africa’s most famous hominid fossils including Mrs. Ples ad the almost complete Australopithecus fossil called Little Foot. You’ll be taken on a fully-guided in-depth tour of the dark and mysterious Sterkfontein Cave system, and learn about the cave’s geology and paleontology and see where famous hominid fossils were found,
During your days onsite at Sterkfontein, you’ll be working under the close guidance of Job Kibii, Head of Sterkfontein Caves.
At Sterkfontein, your daily tasks will include:
Sorting microfauna found at the site.
Preparing fossils from the site.
Labwork including taphonomy identification process and documentation.
Each participant is equipped with all tools and training needed.
Period(s) of Occupation: Early Quaternary (Pleistocene)
Notes:
Fees start at GBP £5,495for a shared double with single pricing also available.
All accommodations, in-country transport and meals are provided.
Itinerary also includes a guided tour of the famed Evolutionary Studies Institute Vault at Wits University of hominid fossils and a tour of South Africa's most comprehensive fossil collection.
Other fieldtrips include a visit to the Malapa dig site, Origins Centre Museum, and tour of Johannesburg.
A portion of your fees goes toward funding GENUS Paleosciencies' bursary for black female South African paleontologists! Please review the link provided for full details.
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Entire itinerary length
Minimum Age: 21
Experience Required: No experience required
Room and Board Arrangements:
All accommodations and domestic transportation are included, as are all meals.
Academic Credit:
None
