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The Cradle of Mankind — 1.8 Million Years of Human Evolution in One Gorge
Olduvai Gorge — sometimes called the Cradle of Mankind — is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites on Earth. Cut into the eastern Serengeti plains, this 48km long ravine has yielded fossil remains spanning nearly 2 million years of human evolution, including the discovery of Homo habilis by Louis and Mary Leakey in 1959.
The on-site museum displays original fossil casts, tools, and explanations of the excavation findings. A visit to Olduvai is usually combined with the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti and takes 1–2 hours. Maasai guides lead short walks to viewpoints over the gorge, making it a powerful cultural and scientific experience.
From iconic wildlife encounters to unforgettable cultural experiences.
1.8 million years of human evolutionary history
Skull & bone collections from Leakey excavations
Black-backed jackals roaming the gorge
Ruppell's griffon vultures soaring overhead
Roaming the nearby Serengeti plains
Dramatic Rift Valley scenery surrounding the gorge
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The right time to visit depends on what you want to see. Here's your seasonal guide.
Year-round. Best visited as a half-day stop en route between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Dry season (Jun–Oct) offers the most comfortable access though the gorge is open 365 days.
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