A dry riverbed that has revealed nearly two million years of human history. A quiet, humbling stop on the road between two of the world's great wildlife landscapes.
Olduvai Gorge, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is where Louis and Mary Leakey made groundbreaking discoveries of early hominid fossils, including Homo habilis and Paranthropus boisei. The site offers a small museum with original fossils, replica footprints, and exhibits on human evolution.
From a viewpoint, you look out over the gorge itself, a dry riverbed that has revealed millions of years of history in its exposed sediment layers. A local guide explains the geology and the significance of the finds. The experience is educational, humbling, and a natural complement to a safari through Ngorongoro, sitting almost directly on the route between the crater and the Serengeti.
Look out over millions of years of exposed sediment layers.
A small museum housing genuine finds and replica footprints.
A guide explains the geology and the significance of the discoveries.
A reflective stop on an already-scheduled transit day.
An open site with a sense of wonder, not a souvenir market.
Sits almost directly between Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Olduvai is best visited en route between Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and is included naturally on this transit regardless of season. The dry season offers clearer skies for the gorge views, but the site and museum are accessible throughout the year. For planning a northern circuit that includes Ngorongoro, see our Tanzania safari guide.
A fascinating stop on your journey between Serengeti and Ngorongoro, included as part of the drive you are already taking.