Activity

Visit Olduvai Gorge

Between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. 1 to 2 hours.

Experience Overview

A visit to Olduvai Gorge typically centers around the Olduvai Gorge Monument & Museum, situated on the rim of the steep-sided ravine. The site features a new, modern museum (opened in 2017) alongside the original structure founded by Mary Leakey. Exhibits showcase numerous fossils, stone tools, and skeletons of extinct animals excavated from the gorge’s distinct stratigraphic layers. You can see replicas of the famous Laetoli Footprints and learn about the groundbreaking discoveries of hominin species like Homo habilis and Paranthropus boisei (Zinjanthropus). Beyond the museum, visitors can take a guided drive down into the gorge itself to see the actual excavation sites where the Leakeys worked for decades.

What to Expect & Prepare

What's Included

What to Bring

Standard travel gear.

Photographic Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Olduvai Gorge as a day trip?

Yes, it is a common stop for those traveling between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. It is rarely visited as a standalone trip from Arusha due to the 3+ hour driving distance.

Do I need a special guide?

A resident expert at the museum typically provides an introductory lecture. If you wish to visit the actual excavation sites in the gorge, an official staff member must accompany you.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The site is open year-round. However, visiting during the dry season (June to October) may offer the chance to see active archaeological digs and meet visiting research teams.

Is there a restaurant at the site?

Yes, there is a small restaurant and a community center where you can purchase refreshments and local crafts.

Activity Location

Location & Access

Between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.

Physical Intensity

Easy

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