Fossil Hunting Adventures
Fossil hunting adventures in Tanzania primarily center around Olduvai Gorge, famously known as the “Cradle of Humankind.” This area is globally significant for paleoanthropological discoveries, having yielded crucial evidence of early human evolution and tool use.
What to Expect:
- Visit to Olduvai Gorge: The primary destination is the Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitor Centre, which offers exhibitions on the geological history of the gorge and the hominin fossils and stone tools discovered there by the Leakey family and others.
- Guided Site Tours: You’ll typically have a local guide who can explain the significance of the various excavation sites (though active digging is usually restricted to licensed researchers).
- Learning About Human Evolution: Gain a deep understanding of the scientific discoveries that trace human origins back millions of years.
- Laetoli Footprints (Optional): While not at Olduvai itself, the nearby Laetoli site (also within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) famously preserves fossilized hominin footprints dating back 3.6 million years. Some tours might include a visit to the small museum and viewing area for these casts.
- Archaeological Context: Understand the geological layers of the gorge and how they reveal different periods of early human habitation.
Important Note: “Fossil hunting” for tourists typically means visiting existing archaeological sites and museums where fossils have been found and are displayed. It does not involve active digging or searching for new fossils yourself, as this is reserved for licensed paleontologists and archaeologists.
Where to Find Them:
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Olduvai Gorge is located within this conservation area.
- Northern Tanzania Safari Itineraries: Most northern circuit safaris that include the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater can easily incorporate a visit to Olduvai Gorge.
Who is it for: History buffs, anthropology enthusiasts, science lovers, and anyone curious about the origins of humankind.
Logistics from Uganda: Fly to Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO). From Arusha, Olduvai Gorge is easily incorporated into a safari itinerary that visits the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.