Motsetsi

Motsetsi is an excavation site containing fossil-bearing breccia deposits in Gauteng. The layers date from approximately 1 to 1.6 million years ago and are being studied by research teams.

Lee Berger discovered the site in 1999. Since then, teams from the University of the Witwatersrand and University of Zurich have conducted research excavations.

The site is part of the Cradle of Humankind area and holds National Heritage Site status. Visitors can experience South Africa's commitment to understanding human origins through scientific exploration.

The location is about 45 kilometers north-northwest of Johannesburg and remains partially unexplored. Visitors should note that only limited areas are open to the public.

The site has yielded numerous fossils of Dinofelis, a saber-toothed cat-like predator. Surprisingly, no hominid remains have been discovered here.

Location: Gauteng

Part of: Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs

GPS coordinates: -25.90861,27.83294

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59