Origins of HumansKenya & Tanzania
18 - 27 Sep 2024
Explore the origins of human life on this adventurous Xpedition in the Great Rift Valley and Turkana Basin.
Discover how research allows us to recognise different species in time and history and the influence of climate on human evolution.
Spend time with world renowned palaeontologist Dr Louise Leakey in the Turkana Basin, learning about her findings on the origins of human life.
OVERVIEW
Kenya & Tanzania
12 People Max.
12 Days
18 - 27 Sep 2024
Dr Louise Leakey
Dr Louise Leakey is a palaeontologist and third generation of the Leakey family to dig for humanity’s past in East Africa. Louise is director of Turkana Basin Institute and leads the Koobi Fora research project here.
Louise will accompany us to the Turkana Basin where we can benefit from her expert knowledge of the origins of human life in the area.
Prof Martin Van Kranendonk
Martin Van Kranendonk is a Professor of Geology and Astrobiology at UNSW Sydney and is the Director of the Australian Centre for Astrobiology. His team investigates the earliest signs of life on Earth, and the environments it inhabited more than three billion years ago.
This research is used by NASA and the European Space Agency in the search for life on Mars, and for understanding the origin of life on Earth.
Trip Highlights
- Follow the history of mankind, geology and landscapes spanning 2.5 million years ago with our Tour Xperts
- Fossil hunting and hiking the archaeological sites in Piaya
- Private viewing of the ancient sites at Olduvai Gorge
- Learn about hominin fossils discovered by Louis and Mary Leakey
- 3 night luxury camp in the Serengeti National Park during the Great Migration Season
- Game viewing throughout the Xpedition in our own private 4WDs
- Dinner in Nairobi and full day to Turkana Basin with
Dr Louise Leakey - Visit the soda lakes in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya
with our local geologist Xpert
Descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater that collapsed within itself 2 to 3 million years ago - it is the largest intact caldera in the world.
The Booking Details
Kenya & Tanzania
|
& 18 - 27 Sep 2024
A 12 day Xpedition from Tanzania to Kenya with Xperts Prof Martin Van Kranendonk and Dr Louise Leakey.
From $22,995 AUD
Per Person, Twin Share
+ $3,595 AUD
Per Person, Single
What's Included
- Accommodation, archaeological sites, soda lakes and scheduled activities – as per itinerary
- 4WDs including English speaking driver, park fees and game viewing – as per itinerary.
- All meals as per the itinerary & local drinks included with dinner.
- Flight Serengeti to Nairobi & charter flight – as per itinerary
- BQX Tour Manager & Xperts – as per the itinerary
- Gratuities
What's Not Included
- International airfares from Australia
- Travel insurance, visa fees & vaccinations
- Items of a personal nature (such as phone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc)
For questions or booking please call 1800 279 279 (Australia Only) or email bookings@bqx.com.au
Xpedition Itinerary
Kenya & Tanzania
Arrive Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania and meet your local BQX guide for a transfer to your Arusha lodge. This evening meet the BQX team and your fellow Xpeditioners for a welcome dinner.
Today we drive to the Ngorongoro Crater that collapsed within itself 2 to 3 million years ago - it is the largest intact caldera in the world. This afternoon is our first game drive as we descend to the crater floor among the abundant wildlife. Tonight, we stay on the rim of the crater.
Leave Ngorongoro and continue our 4WD into the highlands of Piaya and arrive at camp for lunch. Settle in, then trek with our guide to Nasera Rock to view the many different styles of rock paintings. Stay in our own private rustic camp, exploring the rich archaeological findings in this remote area.
This morning we go fossil hunting for the many ancient treasures that can be found here. Explore the rolling hills and secret caves that were once a haven for early man. This afternoon there are optional walks or game drives.
Drive to Olduvai Gorge and explore the current sites with a private viewing. The gorge remains an active dig site for researchers today. Discover where Louis and Mary Leakey found early hominin fossils, most notably the ‘Nutcracker Man.’ Continue to our luxury camp in the Serengeti for the next few nights.
Our classic tented safari camp is the perfect spot for sundowners and stargazing after a day of game drives in the park. During our stay, we are in season for the Great Migration. Our location provides an intimate experience watching the wilderbeest and zebra move across the Serengeti Plains.
See the Serengeti from a bird’s eye view with our plane ride to Nairobi (via Mt Kilimanjaro). This evening we will have dinner with Dr. Louise Leakey, who will provide an insight into her family history and projects.
Louise will accompany us to the Turkana Basin where her parents Richard and Maeve Leakey’s research team found “Turkana Boy”. Lake Turkana is considered the cradle of life from the diverse hominid species found living millions of years apart. This is a full day Xpedition with a private plane ride to the Turkana Basin. Louise will show us the Institute, archaeological sites and laboratory where they prepare and analyse the fossils.
Today we join a local geology Xpert to guide us around Olgersaille pre-historic site then to Lake Magadi, an active salt lake, lying in a catchment of faulted volcanic rocks. This afternoon we enjoy the activities included at the lodge.
Early morning hike to the Nguruman escarpment for sunrise and high views over the Rift Valley. In the afternoon visit the shallow alkaline Lake Natron with sundowners by the lake and drive back to Lentorre for dinner.
After breakfast, 4WD back to Nairobi. Our Xpedition finishes at the Nairobi airport.