Exploring the Cradle of Humankind with the all-new Mercedes-Benz Vito Select

When we got our hands on the all-new Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto Select, we knew exactly where we needed to take it. The Cradle of Humankind is the most popular road cycling destination for Johannesburg cyclists. As Cape Town locals, we simply had to see what all the fuss was about.

Launched a month ago, the Mercedes-Benz Vito Select—available as either a Mixto or Tourer—is the second van, alongside the V-Class, to join Mercedes-Benz’s passenger car lineup. The Mixto offers space for up to five passengers, while reserving a generous 4.1 cubic metres of load volume in the back. This makes it ideal for cyclists looking for a practical and stylish way to transport bikes and gear. The Vito Mixto also offers a range of useful features like electronic sliding doors, and an easy-to-clean interior that makes it ideal for the outdoor-inclined.

Located just 50 kilometres northwest of the city, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s richest paleoanthropological areas. It holds the largest concentration of early human ancestral remains ever discovered, making it a place of profound scientific significance. The quiet roads also feature generous bike lanes, making them ideal for those seeking a safe escape from the city.

We teamed up with the friendly folk at Trek Bicycles, who were delighted to show off their backyard. We began our day at Bidon: a popular meeting point for cyclists. It is the ideal starting point for those not keen on riding out of the city or looking for a shorter, more manageable route. They have ample parking, and also happen to make excellent coffee.

As vehement Capetonians, we were blown away by the beauty of the Cradle and the variation in scenery. The route takes you through everything from typical Highveld bush and grassland to shaded, tree-lined hollows. It’s worth an early start just to catch the sunrise on the bike: the flaming red Highveld sunrise hits different.

The basic loop from Bidon is around 30 kilometres. This can be extended to 50 kilometres by including a trip out to the Sterkfontein Caves. Many riders opt for an out-and-back route instead of the full loop to stick to quieter roads, while experienced athletes choose to do multiple iterations.

We spotted a variety of game, from a magnificent kudu bull to giraffe and bushbuck. For out-of-town visitors, we highly recommend a lunch stop at the Bothongo Lion & Rhino Reserve: if only to meet Skye, the resident giraffe. Not something you’ll ever encounter on a coffee ride over Chappies and it’s very special to see this unique creature at such close quarters.

For out-of-town visitors, there is a range of accommodation in and around the Cradle to suit all budgets and tastes. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Lanseria Airport. We highly recommend a trip to the Sterkfontein Caves to appreciate the scientific significance of the region, and for a crash course in human evolution.

Whether you’re a Joburg local or a visiting cyclist from out of town, the Cradle of Humankind offers a riding experience that’s hard to beat. It’s scenic, serene, and rich in natural and historical wonder. The Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto Select proved the ideal partner for this cycling adventure, making every stage of the journey both comfortable and enjoyable.

You can view our route on STRAVA here. While there is a dedicated bike lane, always take care and respect fellow road users. In addition, the road surfaces may change, so always be vigilant.