Olduvai Gorge, Archaeological site in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
The steep-sided ravine extends 48 kilometers across the eastern Serengeti Plains, reaching depths of 90 meters through layers of sedimentary rock.
German geologist Hans Reck led the first scientific excavation in 1913, discovering hominin remains that sparked international interest in early human evolution.
The name originates from the Maasai word Oldupai, referring to the wild sisal plant that grows abundantly throughout the gorge region.
The Olduvai Gorge Museum displays extensive collections of fossils, stone tools, and educational exhibits about human evolution spanning two million years.
The sedimentary layers contain over 60 fossil remains of early humans, along with evidence of their technological development from simple choppers to advanced tools.
Location: Ngorongoro District
Location: Arusha Region
GPS coordinates: -2.98333,35.35000
Latest update: March 6, 2025 23:24
Tanzania provides photographers with an extraordinary range of subjects, from the Serengeti plains to Zanzibar's coastline and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The country contains major wildlife reserves including Tarangire, where elephant herds move between baobab trees, and the Ngorongoro Crater, which holds a dense concentration of large mammals within its 100-square-mile (260-square-kilometer) caldera. Coastal regions and offshore islands like Mafia and Pemba offer opportunities to photograph coral reefs, sea turtles, and traditional dhow boats. The Mahale Mountains support habituated chimpanzee groups, while Selous Game Reserve presents riverine landscapes and diverse animal populations. Stone Town's historic quarter features Arab, Persian, and Indian architecture spanning several centuries, including the House of Wonders and the narrow alleys of the former trading port. The less visited Katavi National Park delivers scenes of hundreds of hippos crowding shrinking pools during the dry season. Kondoa rock art sites preserve prehistoric paintings dating back as far as 30,000 years. The active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and alkaline Lake Natron with its flamingo flocks add geological interest. From the terraced hillsides of the Usambara Mountains to the wildflower meadows of Kitulo National Park, Tanzania covers nearly every photographic interest.
Serengeti National Park
113.3 km
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
28 km
Mount Meru
159.5 km
Laetoli
1.5 km
Amboseli National Park
214.5 km
Ol Doinyo Lengai
67.5 km
Tarangire National Park
133 km
Lake Manyara National Park
78.7 km
Ngorongoro Crater
32.7 km
Arusha National Park
167.5 km
Olorgesailie
198.4 km
Engaruka
66.7 km
Olduvai Gorge Museum
1.4 km
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
211.3 km
Arusha Declaration Monument
154.8 km
Mount Hanang
161.6 km
Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium
154.6 km
Ngurdoto Crater
178.5 km
Mwalimu Nyerere Museum Centre
205.8 km
Ol Doinyo Orok
165 km
Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve
92.3 km
Olare Orok Conservancy
179.8 km
Olmoti Crater
30.4 km
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
179.5 km
New Safari Hotel
155.6 km
Arusha clock tower
155.6 km
Serengeti Hippo Pool
113.3 km
Olduwai Gorge
2.6 kmReviews
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