Malapa Fossil Site, Cradle of Humankind, Archaeological cave in Gauteng, South Africa
The Malapa cave contains fossil deposits preserved in calcified sediments formed at the bottom of an ancient underground lake near Johannesburg.
Scientists discovered over 200 hominin fossil elements at Malapa in 2008, including skeletal remains of Australopithecus sediba dating back 1.977 million years.
The excavation site forms part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage complex, alongside other important fossil locations like Sterkfontein and Swartkrans.
Researchers and visitors can access the archaeological site through organized tours that explain the significance of early human ancestor discoveries in South Africa.
The fossils found at Malapa represent a potential transitional species between Australopithecus africanus and early Homo species in human evolution.
Elevation above the sea: 1,442 m
Part of: Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs
GPS coordinates: -25.89515,27.80132
Latest update: May 23, 2025 00:18
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