Forum Homini – Activities and news

10 years of exploring the birth of humankind in the Cradle of Mankind

“I created Forum Homini in 2005 as a celebration of the birth of humankind in this area. Everything, from the earth-friendly design to the haute cuisine and the selection of art is carefully curated to stimulate a discussion on this human journey that began in Africa,” says Hendrik Marais, proprietor of Forum Homini and the acclaimed roots restaurant. ”….but not with skulls and bones as in a museum, but through living art, architecture, gardens and food – to celebrate humanity and how it evolved”

The hotel boasts artwork commissioned especially to celebrate the first fossil finds in the Cradle of Humankind. They include a fire cradle by Marco Cianfinelli, murals and paintings by Paul du Toit, hand crafted copper and steel light fixtures that hint at the double helix of human DNA and the so-called “bright gene” that gave birth to the human species.

One of the most inspiring pieces stands boldly at the entrance of Forum Homini. Titled “Sum of us” this metal sculpture by Marco Cianfinelli signifies the evolution of humankind from the first ancestral skull to the skull of modern man.

“Over the past decade we have welcomed visitors from across the globe. Many were drawn to roots restaurant and South Africa’s first degustation menu, but all were inspired and stimulated by our celebration of humankind,” says Marais.

Forum Homini offers a range of activities to its patrons, including tours through the Cradle of Mankind to view some of the fossils discovered here by scientists from Wits University and elsewhere.

The team at Forum Homini regularly assist visitors who would like to visit the Sterkfontein Caves where the well-known Mrs Pless and Little Foot was found and guests can opt for a palaeo tour with renowned palaeontologists that discuss the importance of the Cradle of Mankind and the larger Magalies area in our understanding of the birth of the human race.

“The highly exciting new find of Lee Berger in the Cradle confirms the reputation of this unique area as one of the places on earth where proof of how humanity evolved can be found – and that this process of human evolution was more wonderful than most people ever could dare to think!” says Marais.

"Our ancestors walked here. We are their children..."

Activities at Forum Homini:

• Interactive cooking sessions
for group sizes 6-12
• In-room massages
• Sound therapy

Special events

• Monthly wine tasting at roots

Activities in the Cradle of Humankind

• Maropeng & Sterkfontein caves
• Palaeo tours
• Hot air ballooning
• Rhino & lion Nature Reserve
• Canopy tours

Contact us for information on these activities and more to do at Forum Homini.

tel: +27 11 668 7000

cell: +27 71 533 1019

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.