Gladysvale Cave

About Gladysvale Cave

Gladysvale Cave is a highly significant, fossil-bearing, breccia-filled cave located within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng, South Africa. It lies roughly 13 kilometres northeast of the famous Sterkfontein and Swartkrans sites and approximately 45 kilometres north-northwest of Johannesburg. Known for its exceptional geological stratification and vast paleontological deposit, it plays a vital role in our understanding of early human and mammalian evolution. First Scientific Visit (Mid-1930s): Prominent paleontologist Robert Broom visited the cave looking for hominid-bearing sites after reports of a "human mandible" in the cave wall, though the specimen vanished before he arrived. Student Expedition (1946): Phillip Tobias led a pioneering student trip to the site, successfully recovering a notable baboon fossil. Rediscovery & Breakthrough (1991–1992): The site was re-opened by paleontologists Lee Berger and Andre Keyser. In 1992, they discovered two teeth belonging to Australopithecus africanus, making Gladysvale the first new early hominid site found in South Africa since 1948. Gladysvale Cave is not open for general, walk-in public access, as it is a highly restricted, active scientific dig site. However, anyone can visit the site by booking a specialized, private guided tour.