Johannesburg, Cradle of Humankind and now Host to 2010 FIFA World Cup

Johannesburg has been called the cradle of humankind, and rightly so. Forty percent of all human ancestor fossil finds have been made here. The Cradle of Humankind is about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg contains a complex of limestone caves which include the Sterkfontein Caves where the 2.3-million year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus which is estimated to be 2.5-million years old (nicknamed "Mrs Ples") and an almost complete ape-man skeleton estimated to be 3 to 3.5-million years old nickname Little Foot. Many excavation sites have yielded hominid remains and these cave sites have yielded over 850 hominid fossil remains and thus represent one of the world's richest concentrations of fossil hominid bearing sites. The Cradle of Humankind was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

That was ancient history. Now Johannesburg has developed so much that it has won the right to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup sometime in July which is expected to attract a lot of football fans here. In fact the organisers are anticipating so many fans to come that they expect many to be without tickets and for them they have planned a soccer fan park at Mary Fitzgerald Square they can watch all the live action on a large screen at the square.

If you are planning to visit Johannesburg either to see the origin of humankind or to see the FIFA World Cup, book your accommodation ahead of your arrival. One place you can do so online is Johannesburg Hotels where you have a great choice of cheap hotel if you are on a budget. They have a Lowest Rate Guarantee, so you can be assured of a good deal.

Johannesburg has many airports, including the Tambo International Airport which was formerly named Johannesburg International. It is the busiest airport on the African continent and is the air transport hub of Southern Africa. If you are planning on a transit via Johannesburg and planned to stay a short stay to enjoy the sights and attractions of Johannesburg, you can stay at Hotels near Johannesburg Airport.