Safari – Olduvai Gorge

Overview

The Cradle of Mankind

Olduvai Gorge is locally called “Oldupai”, a name given by the Maasai for the Sisal growing in the Gorge. Known the world over for the fantastic archeological discoveries made by Doctors Louis and Mary Leakey, including the skull of a humanoid, which is believed to be 1.75 million years old. The cradle of mankind lies on the short grass plains of the Serengeti. Not only have fossils of humanoid origin been found but also fossils from prehistoric animals that lived around them.

The latest and probably greatest findings were made in 1986 by and American and Tanzanian archaeological team. They discovered human fossils including 302 bones and teeth belonging to a female some 1.8 million years old.

Location

The Olduvai Gorge is located between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Allow 1-1/2 hours from Ngorongoro and 2-1/2 hours from the Serengeti park gate.

Things To Do

• Museum
• Hourly lecture
• Maasai village cultural tour
• Picnic lunch