When you are planning for a trip to Tanzania, you should be aware of all the attractions exploring nature in inevitable. Tanzania is among the best countries popular for wildlife safaris in Africa with a large area combined of unparalleled game viewing and dazzling tropical beaches. Selecting where to visit and what to do can be a bit complicated and therefore this article will help you make the correct choice basing on the below specified attractions;
NATIONAL PARKS.
The best national parks to visit are in two different safari circuit which are the northern circuit and the southern circuit.
Northern Circuit Parks.
1; SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK.
The home of great migration over the acacia plains located in northern Tanzania. Serengeti is a transition area with changeovers doing from rich flat soil to poor hilly soil in the north. It covers an area of 14,763km2 attracting wide variety of vegetation and animals. The name ‘Serengeti’ is was derived from the word ‘Siringet’ which means endless plains in Maasai language. One of the most famous tribe in Serengeti is the Maasai which has been popular due to their long preserved culture. The park has four main different areas namely; Northern, Central and Southern Serengeti as well as Western corridor. It has four main entry and exit points which are;
Ndabaka gate which is the main access gate for the western corridor area.
Naabi hill gate, Serengeti’s main gate located approximately 45km from Seronera.
Klein’s gate which is located far north-east of Serengeti.
Bologonya gate which is located en-route to or from Kenya.
- ATTRACTIVE AREAS.
In Serengeti various areas can make you speechless when you visit them including Seronera River Valley, Moru Kopje and Retina Hippo Pool in Central Serengeti. Also Lobo Valley and Bologonja Springs in Serengeti North as well as Grumeti River in Western Corridor.
- Africa’s leading National Park in 2021.
- Africa’s leading National Park in 2020.
- Africa’s leading National Park in 2019.
Serengeti is one of the famous destination with the greatest concentration of wild animals, birds and plants in the world. The park is a home to over 1000 African leopards, 8700 spotted hyenas 2500 cheetahs, 5000 elephants, 3000 lions and 70 mammal species. Other animals include wildebeests, elands, black rhinos, buffalos, gazelles, zebras, jackals, topi, serval, homey badgers and waterbucks.
The park host plenty of birds of about 530 species including grey-breasted spurfowl, secretary birds, kori bustard, Usambiro barbet, fisher’s love-bird, hildebrant’s starling and rufous –tailed weaver.
- WHY VISIT SERENGETI.
The fore most reason is the annual migration of millions of wildebeests and zebras ranging from late January to September. Moreover, the top wildlife viewing all year round and the best area for spotting predators.
- HOW TO GET THERE.
By road, the park is accessed from Arusha by road 335km. Safari guides know how to best navigate the park’s dirt roads and how to find the most fascinating wildlife.
By Air, travel by chartered flights from JRO or ARK to various airstrips in Serengeti. There are nine airstrips in Serengeti including Seronera airstrip in Central Serengeti, Kusini and Ndutu airstrips in Southern Serengeti. Lobo, Kleins, and Kogatende airstrips in Northern Serengeti as well as Grumeti, Kirawira and Sasakwa airstrips in Western Serengeti.
- WHAT TO DO.
Game driving, this involves day and night game drive that will give you an opportunity to watch and learn more about nature and wildlife in the park.
Bird watching, due to plenty of birds of over 5300 bird species, this gives a wide range to have a special knowledge about birds.
Walking safari, this involves conducting a safari by foot, provides a chance to observe small, medium and large creatures in a close range though some parts of Serengeti are not friendly for walking.
Other activities include hot air balloon safaris and photographic safaris.
- WHEN TO GO.
You can explore the park all year round but best in winter to see the herds in Southern Serengeti while in the Western corridor and Northern Serengeti are best to spend during summer and autumn months.
- TRAVEL ADVICE.
Serengeti owns a large area of which cannot be completed in one day instead it is better to extend your safari in this beautiful park for about 3 to 5 days.
2; KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK.
Kilimanjaro National Park is located 300km south of the equator particularly in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania covering an area of 1,688km2. It is the highest mountain rising from 4877m above surrounding plains of 5895m at its peak.
The mountain has five main vegetation zones which include the lower slopes, montane forest, moorland, alpin desert and summit. Hiking in this horrible mountain typically takes 5-9 days depending on the route. There are 6 different routes that provide the opportunity for ascending the summit and these are;
Machame Route which is situated south of the mountain, it is the longest route among all but considered to be the best one because of having a better acclimatization time.
Rongai Route is situated in the north part of the mountain, it is the hardest route since there is short time of acclimatization.
Umbwe Route is situated in the south part the mountain, it is also a hardest route because of short acclimatization time.
Shira Route is situated in the west approaching the and close to Lemosho route.
Lemosho Route is situated in the west and passes through Londorossi gate.
Marangu Route is the easiest and oldest route situated south of the mountain.
The statistics of the area have confirmed the mountain being a home of some rare and endemic flora and fauna. There are about 7 primates, 140 mammals, 24 bat species, 2,500 plant species and 179 bird species. The animals available include buffalos, leopards, waterbucks, duikers, bushbucks, monkeys, elephants and warthogs.
- WHY VISIT KILIMANJARO.
It is among the seven summit famously known in the world hence worthy to visit, you will also have chance to see Ice cap on top of the mountain.
- HOW TO GET THERE.
By road, the park is accessible just 86km away from Kilimanjaro International Airport and also cars can easily travel to the mountain via Moshi town to Marangu gate.
By Air, the airports close to the park include Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport all found in Arusha region.
- WHAT TO DO.
The main activities to be conducted are Mountain climbing which includes day and night hiking and trekking.
- WHEN TO GO.
The best moments to hike are from June-October and December-March when the mountain is clear and the summit is easily seen.
- TRAVEL ADVICE.
Physical and mental fitness is one of the precautions that can make you succeed reaching the summit. Also make sure you climb slowly to increase your acclimatization time and maximize your chance of reaching the summit. Having hiking equipments and drinking a lot of water as well as having ample food is inevitable. Some of the hiking equipments include sun screening waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, first aid kit, head lamps, extra clothes and sleeping bags.
3; NGORONGORO CRATER.
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera, and is indeed the flagship tourism attraction of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Measuring an area of 260 square kilometres and extending about 20km in diameter, the crater is actually a huge caldera of a volcano that collapsed to a depth of 610m about three million years ago. Over the course of time, streams of water made their way down the crater to form little ponds, and vegetation developed all over, attracting a wide range of wild animals. The crater is host to over 25,000 animals including populations of large mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, elands, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, hippos, and rhinos, as well as such carnivores as lions, hyenas, jackals, and cheetahs. The ponds, or rather small lakes on the floor of the crater also host a wide-range of water birds including flamingoes and pelicans. Away from the crater floor, the forests on the crater rim is home to leopards, reedbuck, warthogs, and forest birds to complete a natural zoo, and Africa’s ultimate destination to see the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo).
Many animals stay in the crater for large proportion of their lives, but others move out and may move back again.
There are nine craters in the Conservation Area, of which Ngorongoro Crater is the biggest and most stunning. Before it collapsed, geologists estimate, its height was about 4,587m above sea level. The stunning landscape of Ngorongoro Crater combined with its spectacular concentration of wildlife is one of the greatest natural wonders of the planet. The crater was voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in February 2013, by the organization Seven Natural Wonders, based in the United States, which had conducted a campaign since 2008 to determine the most phenomenal natural features of Africa.
4; TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK.
The park is situated in Northern Tanzania south of Lake Manyara, its name originates from the Tarangire River which crosses the park. The river is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire ecosystem during annual dry season. It is in this period when thousands of animals concentrate in the park from the surrounding wet season dispersal. This is among the parks that offer a day or night safaris for any guest who is in or outside Arusha but has already set his or her foot in Tanzania. There are simple ways to get in this attractive destination, it can be by car until the entrance gate of the park. In the park you will see plenty of animals, bird species and stunning landscapes
There is a mix of acacia woodland, combretum woodland, seasonal flooded grasslands, occasional palm trees and lots of baobab trees. Something special about Baobab trees is that they can store within trunks about 300-1000litres of water and also have long life span of up to 600years and above.
- ANIMALS PRESENT IN THE PARK.
This wilderness is a home to variety of animals but the famous aspect is that there is massive elephant herds of over 1000 by number. Other animals found are zebras, giraffes, dwarf mangoose, warthogs, Thompson gazelles, impalas, elands as well as buffalos. Also you will get to see animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, reedbucks, the rare black rhinos and much more.
- BIRDS PRESENT IN THE PARK.
For the bird lover this park is the best place, bird watching is extra-ordinary in here. Over 550 bird species have made this park their home of which some are native and other do migrate from other areas. Some of the identified birds include; mouse birds, horn bills, bateleur eagles, kori bastards, bee-eaters, lilac breasted rollers as well as hammer kops. More over starlings, striped swallows, swifts, yellow-collared loverbirds, guinea fowls, hoopoes and crestled francolins are available too.
- WHY VISIT TARANGIRE.
Plenty of animal and birdlife, the park has a lot of animals including large herds of elephants than any other park. For bird lover this is the best place to visit because more than 550 species live in here. The animals and birds are found all year round.
Accommodations are affordable, during the wet season tourists are few whereby accommodations offer discounts rates with a number of classic facilities. Also during the high season when tourists are many visiting the park accommodations manage such large number are available. They include seasonal camps, temporary or permanent, private and public hotels/lodges.
Suitable place to take photographs, the stunning landscapes, flourishing flowers and greenish surrounding gives you the best view and opportunity to take pictures clearly.
- HOW TO GET THERE.
By Air Transport; you can reach the park by a flight from your country and land at Kilimanjaro International Airport which is 46km from Arusha Town. Take another plane from the airport direct to the park’ Airstrip. Chartered flights are also available in Arusha Airport that will take you smoothly up to Kuro Airstrip situated inside the park.
By Road Transport; after reaching Kilimanjaro Inaternational Airport you will get to the park by a private car or a company’s car. It takes 2hr30 driving time and a distance of 120km from Arusha town.
- WHAT TO DO.
Walking Safaris, while at Tarangire National Park you will conduct a walking tour if you wish to. To make sure safety is maintained, you won’t be alone there will be a game ranger and your driver guide beside you. This makes you get more learning experiences in the bush by spotting animals in a close range.
Balloon Safaris, have new and memorable experiences especially in the morning hours by flying using the hot-air balloon. You will have a spectacular vertical view for animals and a close view of birds flying on air.
Driving Safaris, using the 4×4 cruiser you will enjoy the scenery and conduct day or night game drive. You will see clearly animals like lion, buffaloes, zebra, elephants and hyenas during the driving safari.
- WHEN TO GO.
Tarangire receives short rains in the months of October-December, long rains are from March-May. The comfortable moments to visit this park are during the dry season in the months of June to October and January to February. During the dry season in other parks animals migration takes place in the River Tarangire whereby these are the best times for conducting tourism in this park. Because in the months of June-August the northern regions in Tanzania like Arusha experience cold weather so you are recommended to have warm clothes when conducting morning game safari.
- TRAVEL ADVICE.
This attractive wilderness does not give limits for when to and when not to travel because animals are available all year round. Getting in touch of your tour, Gundua Africa Adventure are willing to make a trip or special package for you in this park regarding your choice.
5; LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK.
The world is surrounded by plenty of wonder geographically. The features can be either natural or artificial and in one way or another attract human life. In such attractions Tanzania owns an attractive wilderness remarked as a protected area specifically known as Lake Manyara. It is a national park identified as the place that supports life for wildlife and a complete home of lions climbing trees.
- WHY YOU SHOULD GO;
Easiest and closest national park, this is after arriving to Arusha city town. It also takes a guest to travel few kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Easily accessible, transport facilities are available to and from the park anytime. You can simply reach the destination and explore as much as you can. Also all communicative means can be accessible when visiting the park.
Plenty of animal and plant species. Animal species present in the park include;
- Elephants, Lake Manyara National Park has a lot of elephant which live in a forest and feed on vegetable.
- Lions, something amazing is that the national park has lions with special characteristics of climbing trees that is there behavior as there adaptive way of life.
- Flamingos, in the park there are many flamingoes that live in the alkaline lake, there is a present number of more than two million flamingoes that will attract your sight.
- Also there are more impressive creature that survive in this protected area that can suit your choice. These include monkeys, Giraffe, Zebra, Leopards, Impala, Buffalos, Vultures, Tortoise, Cheetahs and Hippopotamus. About 350 bird species have been noted to live in this beautiful scenery.
- WHAT TO DO.
Lake Manyara National Park deals with many activities that escort the suitable flavor of your journey, the park conducts;
Tree top walk way, this is a way that is built in the forest connected to trees and ropes that are stretched left and right to give balance. The way helps in walking from the targeted initial point to the end while having a vertical view of wildlife in the forest.
Day and night game safaris, the 4×4 cruiser game drive will provide a day and night observation, study and explanation of what is within the park.
Moreover, there are more activities like walking safari, canoeing safaris in the lake Manyara that are suitable in the wet seasons of November to June. Also there is a zip line adventure, wildlife safaris and wedding safaris.
- WHEN TO GO.
All the months in a year are good to visit Lake Manyara National Park but it is quoted to be best game drive from June to October. This is because it is a dry season. It is also better in the wet seasons of November to May because the vegetation is gaining fertility hence making the grass land pure green.
- TRAVEL ADVICE.
There is safety in the national park and the natives living close to this destination are calm and hospitable to guests. You are allowed to wear any cloth during the dry season. On the other side if your safari ranges from November to May you should travel with heavy clothes.
6; ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK.
Located in Arusha town being a super destination that favors the day trip visitors. The park has unbelievable natural packages featuring mountains, valleys, lakes and plains in green. At the north-eastern side of the scenery you will see the beautiful view of the shallow alkaline Momella Lake which inhabits some reptiles. At the bottom end of the park is sighted a small and complete volcanic crater called Ngurdoto. It is identified as a secret paradise with lake on one side and elsewhere surrounded with forest and a network of open grassy glades. The wilderness has a unique characteristic as it is bound in its areas with Mountain Meru which is the third highest mountain in Africa. It is a small park with a coverage of 552km2 but it offers too much attractions compared to its area.
Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lake and the entire park’s area are home to animals including duickers, leopards, bushbucks, giraffes, monkeys, baboons, hippos, elephants, waterbucks and warthogs. Also the area hosts over 450 bird species both resident and migratory including pink-hued flamingos and silvery-cheeked hornbills.
- WHY VISIT ARUSHA.
It is easily accessible just 32km from Arusha town but also the park has whatever is concerning nature be it landscapes and wildlife.
- HOW TO GET THERE.
By road, it can be accessed by an easy 45mins drive from Arusha town and 60km distance from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- WHAT TO DO.
Game driving, this involves day and night game which is conducted on well-maintained network of roads and tracks.
Bird watching, due to plenty of birds of over 450 bird species, this gives a wide range to have a special knowledge about birds.
Walking safari, this involves conducting a safari by foot where you can enjoy natural forests
Mountain Hiking, this is conducted at the Mount Meru which is done for 3-4 days.
Canoeing, done along Momella Lake and it can take 2-3hrs.
- WHEN TO GO.
The best time to visit the scenery and hiking is during the dry season of June-September and December-March when the roads are passable.
- Southern Circuit Parks.
1; NYERERE NATIONAL PARK.
It is the second largest national park in Africa whose coverage area extends to Liwale district in the West, Pwani region in South-west, Ruvuma region in North-east and Morogoro in South-east. The park features the great Rufiji River which is wide and slow moving flowing through the northern part of this attractive scenery creating a number of oxbow lakes in its northern flood plains. The river inhabits has a beautiful view designated to be an attractive photographic zone with a truly massive wilderness area in Tanzania. The park has an undisturbed ecology and is considered to be remote pristine and unspoilt.
The forest in the park inhabits birds, herbivores and carnivores, moreover the Rufiji River is a home to reptiles including Crocodiles and hippos.
The animals available include Cheetahs, antelopes, buffalos, African wolves, hyenas, elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, kudu, sable, rhinos, lions, eland, baboons, monkeys and zebras. Also there are about 450 bird species recorded both resident and migratory.
- WHY VISIT NYERERE.
Plenty of plants, animal and bird species as over 450 bird species are present but also enjoy the beauty of the landscapes like the great Rufiji River.
- HOW TO GET THERE.
By road, you can access the park by travelling on the road from Dar Es Salaam 240km via Kibiti to Mtemere gate but also from closer regions like Morogoro.
By Air, there are regular chartered flights from Dar Es Salaam and Arusha to a number of small airstrips supplying different camps and lodges.
By Rail, the park is also accessible by train using TAZARA railway which stops at Kisaki or Matambwe close to Matambwe gate.
- WHAT TO DO.
Game driving, this is conducted along the numerous small tracks in the park.
Bird watching, due to plenty of birds of over 450 bird species, this gives a wide range to have a special knowledge about birds.
Walking safari and fly camping, this involves conducting a safari by foot to explore in this attractive destination with overnight stay in light weight fly camps.
Boating, this is conducted in the great Rufiji River which gives you an opportunity to watch water birds, crocodiles and hippos.
- WHEN TO GO.
The greenish vegetation and good looking of the scenery is during the months of December to February. Also the best moments are when it is dry in the months of July to October because roads are accessible hence favorable to conduct game driving.
2; RUAHA NATIONAL PARK.
Are you aware that the southern circuit of Tanzania has got attractive destinations? Trust me this destination is bigger than you think and attractive in nature. Explore in this beautiful wilderness of Ruaha National Park found in Iringa region, an amazing park that inhabits plenty of lions and elephants. For your information this scenery is less crowded hence giving you ample time to search and enjoy your safari.
- PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The park has a wide number of physical features which include the Great Rift Valley, rivers and natural springs. The rivers around are; the great ruaha river, Mdonya, Mwagusi, Mzombe and Jongomero also the natural spring are Mkwawa, Mwanyembe, Makinda and Majimoto.
The park is a home to variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians as well as various plants and bird species.
This attractive scenery inhabits reptiles like crocodiles, snakes, lizards and frogs which can be found in Mzombe and Ruaha River. Also large animals like elephants, lions, kudu, sable, antelopes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebra, elands, impala and jackals are available.
More over the guests interested with bird watching this is the best sanctuary for them. There are about 571 recorded bird species with a mix of southern and northern species whereby some of the birds live permanently and some are migratory birds.
- WHY VISIT RUAHA.
It is the best place in East Africa to encounter the endangered species like wild dogs. Also it is a scenery that does not get crowded by people instead it is crowded by game that will make you explore, learn and experience the greatness of nature in broader terms.
- HOW TO GET THERE.
By road, the park is situated 130km from Iringa town which makes it easier to reach the destination by car and the roads are passable all year round.
By Air, there are chartered flights from Arusha, Kigoma, Dar Es Salaam and Dodoma which will transfer you safely to Mgembe airstrip found in the park
Game driving, you will enjoy the day game drive and the night game drive and this depends on your choice. The aim of the game drive intends to ensure safety in the wilderness and proper spotting of large and medium animals, mostly the game drive is done using cars.
Bird watching, this attractive destination hosts life for about 571 bird species so there is a wide range of seeing and learning more about the birds around.
Walking safari, you will have a guided walk from the professional guides and a ranger where you can conduct a short or long walking safari up to 4hrs per day.
- WHEN TO VISIT RUAHA.
The area experiences dry season from the months of May to October and the wet season from November to April. This makes the best time to explore and see animals be May to October. More over the best time for bird watchers ranges from February to April when the park is rich in wildflowers and verdant grasslands.
RECREATIONAL PLACES.
The most popular recreational place in the country in Zanzibar, it features a lot of beaches that give room for refreshment enjoying the view and the breeze.
Zanzibar is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of the mainland. It consists of many small Islands but Unguja and Pemba are the common large Islands. The main Unguja Island has a fauna reflecting its connection to the African mainland during the last Ice-age. Majority of Zanzibar residents are Muslims and a few are Christians, the most spoken language is Swahili with Arabic accent. The Zanzibar Island is an exclusive and famous tourist destination with white sand beaches, friendliness and tranquility.
- ATTRACTIONS IN ZANZIBAR.
This famous Island has plenty of beautiful features that will blow your mind including;
Mwani Zanzibar, named replacing the Seaweed Center. It is women’s initiative that employs local women to make products form the abundance of Seaweed around the Island. You can visit the area to see the daily tasks of the Seaweed farmers or decide to relax enjoying a glass of Seaweed fruit juice.
Prison Island, it was built in the late 1800s that served as an Island for slaves, violent prisoners and quarantined. Visiting the area will make you not only get the history of the place but also to see the giant tortoise.
Stone Town, it is an old town that gives you chance to visit slave chambers and learn more about Slave trade. Moreover, you can shop at darajani market which is the main bazaar in Stone town, get a view of wander street, beautiful boutique shops, old fort and Forodhani garden.
Jozani Forest Reserve, this is a red colobus monkey sanctuary located in the Eastern part of the Island.
Mnembe Island, it is small Island situated 3km off the coast of Unguja. This place is where you can enjoy a view of turquoise blue water where snorkeling is conducted.
Beaches, Zanzibar boasts for having plenty of beaches including Nungwi & Kendwa in the north, Pongwe in the East and Matemwa in North-east which offers refreshment to visitors.
Zanzibar Butterfly Center, this is the place where butterfly farming is done with the help of the local farms from nearby villages.
Safari Blue Cruise, this involves sailing on a dhow in Zanzibar in the sea.
Spice Island, this is a large spice farm where you can see, touch and taste many flavors of Zanzibar.
- HOW TO GET THERE.
There are chartered flights from Arusha Airport and Julius Nyerere International Ariport to Zanzibar but also you can book a flight for Dar Es Salaam just for 20mins to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. You can also have access of Zanzibar by using Ferry or Ship that will stop at Zanzibar harbor.
- WHAT TO DO.
You can do a natural walk in Jozani forest reserve, snorkeling in Spice Island, local cultural tour in Stone town, refreshment in the beaches and historical tour in slave chambers.
- WHEN TO GO.
The Zanzibar destination is peaceful and with attractions that have no climatic destruction making it a place worth to visit all year round.
CULTURAL SITES.
There are many cultural sites in Tanzania and Zanzibar but the best place to experience a lot about culture in Mto Wa Mbu and Lake Eyasi while the villages in Ngorongoro or Tarangire will give you a reality knowledge about the superior Maasai tribe.
1; MTO WA MBU CULTURAL SITE.
Mto Wa Mbu is a village that is located 126km from Arusha town, it gives you a credible opportunity to conduct a cultural tour. This was one of the first cultural tourism sites developed by TTB and SNV. The village is surrounded by about 120 tribes, this is an extra-ordinary characteristic which will motivate your visit to find out how it happened. The offers a trip by bike at Miwaleni waterfalls, visiting the various plantations, farms, preparation of banana beer and other development projects conducted in the area.
2; LAKE EYASI CULTURAL SITE.
Lake Eyasi lies at the base of the Eyasi escarpment on the western Great Rift Valley wall. The native around the area are the Hadzabe and Datoga. The Hadzabe people are commonly hunters and gatherers while Datoga people are pastoralists. Lake Eyasi is a salt lake lying at an altitude of about 1000m between the Eyasi escarpment in the north (an ancient fault line that is part of the Rift Valley system) and the Kidero Mountain in the south. It’s a hot, dry area, around which live the Hadzabe people (also known as Watindiga), who are believed to have lived here for nearly 10,000 years. Today there are only a few hundred left. The lifestyle of the Hadzabe still centers on hunting and gathering traditions. Also in the area are the Datoga (Mang’ati), and the Iraqw (Mbulu) and various other groups. At the area you will learn on the history of underground springs in Lake Eyasi which have the extension of about 1km forming Chemchem River which sustains all irrigation in the basins.
HISTORICAL SITES.
You can visit various areas to get historical experience but the best place for gaining such knowledge is at Oldupai Gorge.
1; OLDUPAI GORGE
Olduvai Gorge (sometimes spelt Oldupai) is the most famous archaeological location in East Africa, and has become an essential stop for travellers to Ngorongoro or Serengeti. It is located about 40km northwest of Ngorongoro Crater, just a few kilometres off the main Serengeti road. This historical site stretches about 50km and is up to 90m deep. Research at the Gorge began more than a century ago, producing a wealth of archaeological and palaeontological data for the study of some key phases of early human evolution.
The first European known to have seen Olduvai Gorge was a German butterfly collector, Professor Wilhelm Kattwinkle. In his notes in 1911, he described Olduvai as containing “the book of life” and he took back to Berlin a considerable number of fossils including the teeth of an extinct three-toed horse known as Hipparion. However, Olduvai was made famous by the excavations over the middle of last century by the palaeontologist Louis Leakey, and his wife, Mary Leakey. Louis Leakey first visited Olduvai Gorge in 1931. He and Mary discovered Zinjanthropus boisei in 1959, then the oldest significantly intact hominid fossil from Olduvai Gorge. This skull, plus other archaeological finds from Olduvai Gorge are housed in the national museum in Dar es Salaam. Bones of hominids belonging to the Homo lineage that includes Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo sapiens have also been excavated at Olduvai, as well as hundreds of other fossilized bones and stone tools dating back millions of years, leading palaeontologists to conclude that humans evolved in Africa.
2; LAETOLI FOOTPRINTS
The Laetoli Footprints are the oldest known footprints of early ancestors of humans in the world. The site of Laetoli is 25 miles to the southwest of Olduvai Gorge in the Conservation Area. About 3.6 million years ago in Laetoli, two early ancestors of humans walked through wet volcanic ash. When the nearby volcano erupted again, subsequent layers of ash covered and preserved the oldest footprints of early humans.
According to archaeologists, the Laetoli Footprints present three separate tracks of an upright walking hominid named Australopithecus afarensis. The entire footprint trail is almost 27 meters long and includes impressions of about 70 early human footprints. Replicas of these footprints are displayed at Olduvai Museum. The Laetoli area was first studied by the German entomologist Kohl Larsen in the 1920s and yielded a few fossils. In 1974 a team led by Mary Leakey made the discoveries of the hominid footprints, and excavations were carried out in 1978 and 1979.
3; NASERA ROCK
Nasera Rock is a huge monolith jutting out from the plains to an elevation of 100m on the western side of the Gol Mountains, 27 kilometres north of Olduvai Gorge. The site of the rock has yielded archaeological resources since the 1930s, when excavations started around it. Most of the findings at Nasera consist of stone artefacts, bone fragments, and shreds of pottery dating back to about 30,000 B.C. Nasera Rock is also a spot for climbers and bird watchers. The eastern side of the rock is gentler and enables climbers to reach the top. There is rich bird life all the time around the lower part of the rock. During the wet season, the surrounding plains are green and full of wildebeests.
4; OLDUPAI GORGE MUSEUM
At the edge of Olduvai Gorge, there is a small museum, the Olduvai Gorge Museum, which exhibits numerous fossils and stone tools of our hominid ancestors, and skeletons of many extinct animals excavated in the gorge. The museum was founded by Mary Leakey and it is dedicated to the appreciation and understanding of the Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli fossil sites.
Apart from the exhibitions inside the museum, there are also outdoor lecture areas where the museum curators give orientation presentations to visitors. At the museum, one can also plan a guided tour down the gorge.
