For those interested in archaeology and palaeontology, there’s more to Tanzania than its spectacular game reserves and beautiful beaches. Located on the road from the Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park, Olduvai Gorge (officially known as Oldupai Gorge) is arguably the most important paleoanthropological site on the planet. This significance arises from the discovery of a series of fossils that document the evolution of mankind. Travelers can conveniently combine a trip to Olduvai with a visit to the mysterious Shifting Sands, a volcanic ash dune that moves across the desert at an impressive rate of approximately 55 feet (17 meters) each year.
The Importance of Olduvai
In the 1930s, archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey began extensive excavations at Olduvai Gorge, following the discovery of hominid fossils by German archaeologist Hans Reck. Over the subsequent five decades, the Leakeys made several groundbreaking discoveries that have fundamentally changed our understanding of human origins, firmly establishing that the human race originates exclusively from Africa. Among these discoveries, the Nutcracker Man, belonging to a Paranthropus boisei male estimated to be 1.75 million years old, stands out. The Leakeys also identified the first known fossil evidence of another hominid species, Homo habilis, alongside a vast collection of animal fossils and early human tool fragments.
In addition, Mary Leakey uncovered a series of preserved hominid footprints at Laetoli, located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of the gorge, in 1976. These footprints, preserved in ash and attributed to our ancestor Australopithecus afarensis, provide clear evidence that hominid species walked on two legs during the Pliocene era, approximately 3.7 million years ago. At the time of their discovery, this was the earliest example of hominid bipedalism.
Visiting Olduvai Gorge
Today, the excavation sites initiated by the Leakeys remain active, with archaeologists from across the globe continuing their work to unravel the enigmas of human evolution. Visitors to the Olduvai region can explore these excavation sites under the guidance of an official guide. At the upper part of the ravine, there exists a museum established in the 1970s by Mary Leakey and later renovated by a team from the Getty Museum in the 1990s. Although modest in size, the museum captivates with its displays that articulate the site’s paleoanthropological significance.
The museum features a collection of hominid and faunal fossils, as well as ancient tools collectively termed Oldowan, which translates as ‘from Olduvai Gorge.’ These tools represent the earliest known stone tool industry in human history. To ensure the protection of the originals, numerous fossils on display are casts, including early hominid skulls. Notable highlights include a large cast of the Laetoli Footprints and several photographs of the Leakey family during their first excavation efforts. It is worth noting that Olduvai Gorge is now officially referred to as Oldupai Gorge, reflecting the accurate spelling of the Maasai term for the native wild sisal plant.
Visiting the Shifting Sands
Those eager to enhance their experience should consider venturing north of Olduvai Gorge to the Shifting Sands. Here, a crescent-shaped dune of fine black ash moves steadily across the plain at a rate of about 55 feet (17 meters) per year, driven by the region’s persistent winds. The Maasai believe that the ash comes from Ol Doinyo Lengai, a revered mountain whose name means “Mountain of God” in English. On clear days, this impressive cone-shaped mountain can be viewed from Olduvai Gorge.
Upon arriving at the plain, volcanic ash collects around a single stone, leading to the formation of the strikingly symmetrical dune visible today. Rich in iron and highly magnetized, the ash tends to stick together when tossed into the air, creating captivating photographic opportunities. However, finding the dune can be challenging due to its shifting nature, often requiring technical off-road driving. Therefore, it is advisable to travel with a local guide and/or driver, and while en route, keep an eye out for free-roaming wildlife.
