Things to do in Tanzania

Discover the Cradle of Mankind at Olduvai Gorge

Visit the site where archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered some of the earliest human remains ever found…

By Philip Chami

Safari guide for Sense of Africa, Alfred&'s partner in Tanzania

Olduvai Gorge, known as the Cradle of Mankind, should be an essential stop on your Tanzania itinerary. This famous archeological site is where archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered what are believed to be some of the earliest human remains ever found. It’s a really important place to visit in terms of history and culture; lots of clients read about Olduvai Gorge before they come to Tanzania and find visiting a fascinating experience.

There’s a big museum to explore, that lays out the history of Olduvai. Afterwards, an archaeological officer will take to you to the best viewpoint of the gorge and give a short lecture about the area’s unique geology. The gorge itself is very beautiful, with different coloured rock stacks and landscape scattered with wild sisal plants; Olduvai actually means Wild Sisal in Maasai.

Available in these itineraries…

Small Group

Special Offer

Classic Tanzania Safari
by Louise Dean

Length8 Days

Price range£4,915 - £6,450pp
Itinerary

Ultimate Tanzania
by Helen Austin

Length13 Days

Price rangefrom £8,595 pp

Alfred & Philip Chami

Philip Chami is an experienced safari guide who hails from Kilimanjaro's Chagga tribe. Having studied Tourism and Hotel Management at college, Philip trained as a naturalist at Grumet Reserve and has completed various customer care courses. Philip has spent years working as a guide across Tanzania and loves sharing his deep knowledge of the country’s nature, wildlife and culture with his guests.

Philip Chami, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari Guide

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Gemma, who's travelled extensively in Tanzania. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it on their own. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the rangers who'll ensure you'll spot the best wildlife, the village chiefs who'll give you a genuine insight into local life and the camp managers who can recommend the very best spot to enjoy your sundowner.

Gemma Wilson-Dines

Travel Expert for Alfred&

Gemma has been a regular visitor to South Africa favouring the spectacular mountains and cinematic Winelands that draw her back time and time again. Her most recent trip to Tanzania offered a whole new perspective of the Great Migration from the romantic heights of a hot air balloon. On the other side of the world, in extraordinary India, Gemma holds vivid memories close to her heart; of cooking chapatis in Amritsar’s shimmering Golden Temple and the soft summer breeze in Shimla's alpine forest.
Joseph Awe

Cultural guide

Joseph Awe has been a cultural guide in the Lake Eyasi region for over 12 years. He grew up on his family's dairy and onion farm in the region and has close connections with the nearby Hadzabe and Datoga communities. Able to speak their native languages, Joseph has worked as a translator and interpreter for guests visiting the tribes around Lake Eyasi since he was a teenager.
Mary Milanzi

Lemala Tour Guide

Mary Milanzi is proud to be one of Tanzania’s first female guides. Born in Mto wa Mbu, she grew up with a deep love of wildlife and dreamed of getting a job that allowed her to stay close to nature. After completing her tour guide training with Lemala, Mary now leads tuk tuk tours of her home town. She often goes into colleges to give talks that inspire female students to seek out jobs in the tourism industry.
Charles Kisaka

Assistant Manager at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Charles Kisaka is from the north-east of Tanzania and studied tourism at college. After graduating, he joined the Serena hotels group and has worked with them for over 15 years. Charles loves his current role as the manager of Lake Manyara Serena Lodge because it allows him to meet guests from different countries and introduce them to the wilds of Tanzania.
Hazel Gumpo

General Manager, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge

Hazel Gumpo is a German-trained General Manager with over 25 years of experience in hospitality. She has worked all over Africa and in 2017, was named one of the top 100 most influential tourism personalities in West Africa by the Accra Weizo West African Travel Fair. Hazel is passionate about people development, interior design, creative cooking and hosting.
Philip Mbeke

Camp Manager, Roving Bushtops

Originally from Kenya, Philip Mbeke started his career with Bushtops over 10 years ago as a ranger in the Maasai Mara. Since then, he's worked his way up to become camp manager at Roving Bushtops. Philip loves working in the Serengeti and enjoys the thrill of moving camp around the savannah. He especially likes to see the sparkle in guests' eyes when they first arrive at the roving camp and enjoys spending evenings with them around the campfire.