Olduvai Gorge

Highlights

  • Best Known For

    • Nicknamed the 'Cradle of Mankind'
    • Fascinating visitor's center & museum
    • Numerous resident giraffes
    • Daily lecture by Antiquities guide

  • Size

    30 miles long, 290 feet deep

  • Topography

    Canyon/Gorge, Rocky Bed, Shrubland

  • Main Species

    Giraffe, Agama Lizard, Leopard Tortoise, Grant's Gazelle, Wildebeest, Dik Dik Antelope

Olduvai Gorge

Learn about archaeology, history and our ancient hominid ancestors at Olduvai Gorge. Olduvai Gorge is a canyon carved by water through the southern Serengeti plains. Its chief claim to fame is the rich treasure-trove of human and animal fossils that it has yielded. Few places in the world can match the Serengeti's long human history and this fact has earned this part of Africa the title 'Cradle of Mankind'. There is a museum and visitor's center overlooking the gorge as well as a daily lecture by a department of Antiquities guide.

View South Serengeti Map Lodging Options Seasonal Highlights Nearby Attractions

Lodging Near Olduvai Gorge

Seasonal Highlights

For the Olduvai Gorge

Recommended Month to Visit

Month Season Recommended Weather Wildlife Sightings
Jan Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant
Feb Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Wildebeest Calving
Mar Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant
Apr Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant
May Northward Migration YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant
Jun Beginning of Dry Season YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant (early June only)
Jul Dry Season NO 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
- - - - -
Aug Dry Season NO 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
- - - - -
Sep Dry Season NO 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
- - - - -
Oct Dry Season NO 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
- - - - -
Nov Southward Migration YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Giraffe, gazelle, Walking Safaris and Cultural Interactions
Dec Beginning of Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant

Attractions Near Olduvai Gorge