Olduvai Gorge, Archaeological site in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Olduvai Gorge is a steep-sided ravine stretching 48 kilometers across the eastern Serengeti Plains and dropping to depths of 90 meters through layers of sedimentary rock. The museum displays extensive collections of fossils, stone tools, and exhibits documenting human evolution across two million years.
German geologist Hans Reck began scientific excavations in 1913, discovering early human remains that sparked global interest in human origins. These discoveries revealed how people lived and developed their technology in this location.
The name comes from the Maasai word Oldupai, meaning the wild sisal plant that grows in this region. Walking through the gorge, you can still see these plants and understand why locals chose this name.
The site is located in a conservation area and requires preparation such as sturdy footwear and sun protection for uneven terrain. The best time to visit is during drier months when the paths are easier to navigate.
The rock layers preserve over 60 fossil remains of early humans alongside evidence of their tool-making evolution from simple choppers to more complex instruments. Visitors can see directly how technology changed across vast spans of time.
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