Visitors to Maropeng have a wonderful, world-first opportunity to see the fossil of a new species of dinosaur, known as “Earth Claw”.

It was only on November 11, 2009 that the University of the Witwatersrand announced the discovery of this new species of dinosaur.

From December 1, 2009 until January 31, 2010 the creature’s femur and foot bone will go on display at the Maropeng exhibition. These bones in particular tell us a lot about the animal. To read more click here.

Aspiring astronauts and space explorers of all ages are invited to join Maropeng for an expedition to the stars.

Maropeng has been granted the rights to host the StarLab, a portable inflatable planetarium providing children and young adults with an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating topic of astronomy.

StarLab is kindly on loan from the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) from December 5 until January 10, with lift-off just in time for the school holidays.

Up to 20 people can be seated on the floor inside the inflatable dome, akin to a spherical spaceship. Once the intrepid voyagers come aboard through the igloo-shaped entrance, they are taken on a "journey" of discovery of galactic proportions.

The StarLab is fitted with an overhead star projector, and "passengers" will feel as if the sky has opened up above them. Maropeng’s resident astronomer, Vincent Nettmann, will give a 45-minute presentation on various astronomical themes, including stars, planets, the sun, galaxies, the speed of light, the distance of stars from the earth and the age of the universe.

The StarLab will be housed in the Tumulus building at Maropeng , with daily sessions at 11h00, 12h00, 13h00 and 14h00. Tickets for the 45-minute ‘journey’ will be R25 per person (children and adults), and bookings can be made in advance. The StarLab is ideally combined with a tour of the world-class visitor centre, open daily from 09h00 to 17h00.

Contact Maropeng on 014 577 9000 or sylviam@maropeng.co.za for more information.

Maropeng plans to extend its evolution display, Digging for an understanding, due to its popularity. However, the center case of the Original Fossil Display Area will be dedicated to exhibiting the femur and foot bone of  “Earth Claw”, the fossil of a new species of dinosaur that was found in the northern Free State.

Not all the pieces of the dinosaur fossil will be displayed, purely because some of them are still too fragile to be transported.

Like the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa’s Free State and Karoo areas are rich in fossils which tell us about the development of life on Earth.

The exhibition guides the viewer through the story of evolution, drawing on examples that illustrate the theory.

For more information, please click here.

On December 25, Maropeng will be hosting Christmas Day lunches at the Maropeng Hotel and the Tumulus Restaurant.

Our chefs will prepare a festive Christmas menu that is guaranteed to have your tastebuds singing a merry tune. So come and celebrate with us – we promise a cracker of a good time!

For more information and to make a booking, please click here for the Maropeng Hotel lunch and here for the Tumulus Restaurant lunch.

Those looking to escape fast-paced city life for a perfect December getaway, look no further: the Maropeng Hotel will be running an accommodation special for the entire month!

Peace, serenity and fresh country air await you at the luxurious Maropeng Hotel, our four-star boutique hotel.

This festive offer includes bed and breakfast, dinner and a combined tour of Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves for only R840 per person per night.

For more information and to make a booking, please click here.

In the first week of May 2006, Aaron Konopi walked onto the grounds of Maropeng knowing that he had come home. The interview he was there for was a simple step in his journey, and it wasn’t long before Aaron was a member of the Maropeng team.

Working at the Maropeng Hotel as a waiter is just one of Aaron’s talents. “I have worked in all departments: I am a flexible guy,” he says with a broad grin.

One of those investing in Aaron is Maropeng food and beverage manager Patrick Mutavhatsindi. “Aaron has achieved a lot. He is working towards becoming a supervisor and I believe he can get there soon,” he says.

When asked if his career aspirations will keep him at Maropeng, Aaron’s loyalty shines through. “I can’t leave this place,” he explains. “In five years I am going to be a manager of a department!”