Olduvai Gorge and the Cradle of Humankind: Tanzania's Early Human Site
A steep gorge on the road to the Serengeti where fossils of early humans were found.
Olduvai Gorge is a steep ravine in northern Tanzania, between the Ngorongoro highlands and the Serengeti plains. Excavations by the Leakey family from the 1930s onwards uncovered stone tools and fossil remains of early hominins that reshaped understanding of human origins.
A small museum at the rim displays casts of fossils and tools, and guides explain the layers of the gorge. Nearby Laetoli is known for footprints of early hominins preserved in volcanic ash. Visiting takes about an hour and fits naturally into the route between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Location: Between Ngorongoro and Serengeti
- Known for: Early hominin fossils
- Visit time: About 1 hour
- Includes: Museum and gorge viewpoint
The Museum
Exhibits explain stratigraphy, tools and the species found in the gorge. Guides give short talks at the viewpoint. It is open daily, and there is a small fee.
Why It Matters
The gorge helped establish East Africa as a centre of human evolution, and its sediments record changes in climate and wildlife over nearly two million years.
Fitting It Into Your Trip
Stop on the drive from the crater to the Serengeti. See Ngorongoro beyond the crater and the Serengeti for the neighbouring areas.
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Itineraries That Include This Experience
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- Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks: Southern Tanzania Safari Guide
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