Plovers Lake, Archaeological and paleontological site in Gauteng, South Africa
Located 45 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg, Plovers Lake contains two main depositional units within a dolomitic cave system in Bloubank Valley.
Excavations between 2002 and 2004 revealed Middle Stone Age tools, human skeletal remains, and over 25,000 fossil specimens dating back 70,000 years.
The site forms part of the Cradle of Humankind, contributing substantial evidence about early human activities and environmental conditions in prehistoric South Africa.
Research teams conduct regular excavations at both the Inner and Outer deposits, with the Inner section extending several hundred meters under an intact roof.
Studies of fossilized bones indicate brown hyenas served as primary collectors of remains, creating an extensive collection of carnivore-damaged specimens.
Location: Gauteng
Part of: Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs
GPS coordinates: -25.97750,27.77667
Latest update: March 14, 2025 21:50
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Sterkfontein
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The Coca-Cola dome
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Swartkrans
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Liliesleaf Farm
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Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
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Lion & Safari Park
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Gondolin Cave
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Lesedi Cultural Village
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Drimolen
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Dobsonville Stadium
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Wonder Cave
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Kromdraai fossil site
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Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory
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Gladysvale Cave
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Coopers Cave
4.9 km
Motsetsi
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Paardekraal Monument
12.9 km
Grottes de Sterkfontein
6.3 km
Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve
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Magaliesberg Protected Natural Environment
26.3 km
Monkey Sanctuary, Hartbeespoort in South Africa
28.8 km
HartRAO 26m Radio Telescope
13.4 km
General Schoeman Memorial
28.2 km
MeerKAT prototype dish
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Crocodile River Reserve
23.1 kmReviews
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