Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha to Olduvai Gorge & Shifting SandsMorning

   • Departure from Arusha:
   • Leave Arusha early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, for the drive to Olduvai Gorge, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours (about 200 kilometers).
   • Enjoy the scenic drive through the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through Maasai villages, open savannah landscapes, and possible sightings of wildlife.

   Late Morning - Olduvai Gorge:

   • Arrival at Olduvai Gorge:
   • Olduvai Gorge is a famous archaeological site, often called the “Cradle of Mankind” due to its important discoveries related to early human evolution.
   • Visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn about the history of the site and its significance. The museum exhibits fossils, ancient tools, and displays of early hominids.
   • Take a guided tour of the gorge, where you’ll learn about the discoveries made by Mary and Louis Leakey, including fossilized footprints, animal bones, and early human remains dating back over 1.8 million years.
   • Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the gorge itself, a breathtaking landscape formed by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years.

   Afternoon - Shifting Sands:

   • Drive to the Shifting Sands:
   • After visiting Olduvai Gorge, head to the Shifting Sands, located about 20-30 minutes away. This is a fascinating site where you’ll see the black sand dunes, which are slowly moving due to wind, creating a dynamic geological phenomenon.
   • The sands are composed of volcanic ash from past eruptions and move over time, shifting across the landscape.
   • Take some time to walk around and marvel at the surreal environment.

   Evening - Return to Ngorongoro Area:

   • After visiting the Shifting Sands, return to a nearby lodge or campsite in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, such as Ngorongoro Farmhouse or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, for dinner and overnight accommodation.

2. Day 2: Laetoli & Return to ArushaMorning - Laetoli

   • Drive to Laetoli:
   • After an early breakfast, depart for Laetoli, which is approximately 1.5-2 hours from your lodge or campsite.
   • Laetoli is another critical site in the study of human evolution, where you’ll find fossilized footprints left by early hominids, dating back 3.6 million years. These footprints are some of the earliest evidence of bipedalism (walking on two feet).
   • Upon arrival, take a guided tour to see the footprints and learn about the scientific significance of the site. The Laetoli footprints were preserved in volcanic ash, offering a rare snapshot of early human behavior and movement.
   • You will also see the surrounding landscape, which provides insight into the ancient environment of early hominids.

   Midday - Lunch and Scenic Drive Back:

   • Lunch: After visiting Laetoli, stop for a packed lunch or enjoy a meal at a local lodge.

   Afternoon - Drive Back to Arusha:

   • Start your journey back to Arusha in the afternoon, which will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. You’ll pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maasai lands.
   • Arrival in Arusha:
   • You’ll arrive in Arusha in the evening, typically around 5:00 - 6:00 PM, depending on traffic and stops along the way.