Human Origins at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania: A Once in a Lifetime African Vacation

The origins of humankind is a well debated topic. However, much of what we now know is based on the field work conducted by the Leakey's in Africa. If you have a passion for anthropology, archaeology or even paleontology, and you are looking for a unique vacation idea, then consider signing up for a Tanzanian adventure that will help you to explore the origins of humanity at the Olduvai Gorge near Arusha, Tanzania.

The Expedition

In May, June, August and September three teams of up to 14 people are taken to the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, Africa where the Leakey's discovered some of the oldest human remains ever discovered. Here vacationers will be able to assist current researchers to excavate and analyze evidence of ancient hominid activity. Some of the activities that you will be able to participate in include digging trenching, sieving dirt, hunting for fossils, sorting artifacts and cataloging evidence and fossils. The artifacts and fossils that you uncover will become a part of a historical collection at the National Natural History Museum in Arusha. While most of your expedition will be spent conducting field research, you will have some free time. During which, you will be able to plan side trips to local sites like Maasai villages and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Planning Your Trip

Human Origins at Olduvai Gorge is an expedition that is orchestrated and facilitated by Earthwatch. Earthwatch is a non-profit organization that supplies research help for important anthropological and wildlife conservation program around the globe. The cost of this 14 day expedition starts around $2850. This price includes meals, accommodations, field supervision, local transportation, education and a donation to the research project you will be working with. In addition to the participation cost for this program you will also be responsible for your airfare to and from Tanzania, and your transportation to the rendezvous site in Arusha, Tanzania.