Rising Star Cave

Rising Star Cave is a limestone cave in the Cradle of Humankind region with several chambers and passages where numerous fossil deposits have been found. The cave lies roughly 30 meters (98 feet) below the surface and can only be reached through narrow crevices and corridors.

Cavers discovered the fossil chamber in 2013 during a mapping expedition through the cave system. The finds led to the description of a previously unknown hominin species in scientific literature two years later.

The cave name comes from a nearby farm property and later became a key location for understanding human evolution. Visitors can learn about the significance of the finds through exhibitions outside the actual cave.

The fossil chamber remains inaccessible to the general public, but the nearby visitor center presents information about the finds. The site lies within the World Heritage area and offers guided tours to other accessible caves in the region.

The excavation teams had to pass through an opening just 18 centimeters (7 inches) wide to reach the main fossil chamber. This passage was given the name Superman's Crawl because of the prone position required to squeeze through.

Part of: Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs

GPS coordinates: -25.91670,27.78330

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:23