Guided by Dr Colin Menter
THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL BEGAN…The Cradle of Humankind in South Africa is a treasure trove of fossil sites that have produced more than a third of the World’s information on our early human ancestors, the hominins. A mere fifty minute drive from Johannesburg, this area has yielded more than 1,000 actual hominin fossils that have afforded scientists a window into our own past. The fossil hominins from South Africa were discovered in 1924 at the fossil site of Taung, while the earliest discovery in the Cradle was in 1936. It was these fossil finds that showed Africa as being the Cradle of Humankind. South Africa is home to five fossil hominin species, three of which are unique to South Africa while two are in common with those of East Africa.
Passage to Africa in association with the Centre for Language and Culture at the University of Johannesburg - is proud to offer the unique opportunity to stay at the Cradle of Humankind, for the express purpose of actually excavating at the World famous Drimolen hominin fossil site. Drimolen has so far yielded in excess of 100 hominin fossils at dates of between 2.0 to 1.5 million years. The opportunity to excavate at Drimolen for private groups with the actual scientist in charge is unique and this 6 day, private excavation, will be conducted by Dr. Colin Menter. For the excavation, no experience is required and as the group size is kept to a minimum, everyone will be afforded the chance to excavate in the fossiliferous deposits at the site. Along with excavations, the group will also tour the other famous fossil sites of the area. In addition, there will be tours to visit some of the actual hominin fossils that have been found at the Cradle.
Colin Menter was born in South Africa. He has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Arizona in Tucson and a Doctorate in Palaeo-anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. His main research project is the excavation of the Drimolen Fossil Hominin Site that he has worked at since 1997. He has been the principal investigator of the site since 2005.
Travel Dates:
03 – 08 August 2012 USD4 500.00 per person
08 – 13 February 2013 USD5 120.00 per person
07 – 12 June 2013 USD5 120.00 per person
The exclusive nature of this safari limits places to a minimum of four and maximum of eight guests. Please contact us at theteam@passagetoafrica.com for further information or to guarantee a booking.
