The Great Rift Valley in Tanzania is more than just a geological marvel—it’s a living museum of human history and a place where past and present converge in an awe-inspiring journey through time.
Walking through the Rift Valley is no ordinary trek. The dusty path beneath my boots was uneven, a trail carved by nature and centuries of Maasai footsteps. It’s a challenging path, with steep cliffs, loose rocks, and scorching heat that tests your endurance.
Yet, as I trudged forward, every step felt significant. This ancient route, traversed daily by the Maasai people, connected me to their way of life and the history of humankind itself.
The Maasai’s striking traditional attire—a shuka in vibrant red, blue, and black, paired with intricate beaded jewellery—seemed to blend seamlessly with the landscape. I marvelled at their resilience. Barefoot or in worn sandals, they walked these rugged trails with ease, carrying only a small bottle of water, while I struggled despite my modern hiking gear and ample supplies.
The Rift Valley is not merely a landscape of beauty. It’s a geological masterpiece shaped by tectonic forces over millions of years. Its cliffs and escarpments frame vast plains and volcanic peaks like Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred “Mountain of the Gods.” The valley has been home to the Maasai for generations, and its grasslands are a lifeline for their livestock and culture.
Where ancient footprints remain
Our journey began at Lake Natron, a soda lake famed for its striking beauty and biodiversity. Here, I made my first footprints in Tanzanian mud, wading barefoot along the lake’s edge. Flamingos danced in the distance, their slender legs leaving a delicate trail in the clay.
It was also here that I encountered the remarkable human footprints of Engare Sero. Preserved for millennia, these imprints tell a story of early Homo sapiens, a rare glimpse into life thousands of years ago. Standing beside these ancient marks, I felt a profound connection to the distant past. Each footprint was a reminder of humanity’s shared origins and the enduring passage of time.
Retracing the Maasai’s path
From Lake Natron, we embarked on a three-day trek through the Rift Valley. Guided by local Maasai, our route mirrored their migration paths, winding through rugged landscapes and over escarpments. Along the way, we paused to take in breathtaking vistas of Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai, the horizon stretching endlessly.
At Sanjan Gorge, our campsite offered a respite from the day’s exertions. Under a sky filled with stars, I savoured the simple comforts of a warm meal and a soft bed, my muscles grateful for rest. The sounds of the African night, punctuated by distant hyena calls, lulled me into a deep sleep.
The trek continued through the next day’s challenging terrain, but every step brought a deeper appreciation for the connection between the land and its people. Our journey culminated in the Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Here, fossil discoveries by the Leakey family have shed light on human evolution, and casts of ancient footprints preserved in the sediment bring our ancestors’ stories to life.
A profound connection to history
Standing at the edge of Olduvai Gorge, I reflected on the steps that had brought me here—from my footprints in the mud at Lake Natron to the imprints of early humans and the well-trodden paths of the Maasai. This journey through the Rift Valley was more than a trek; it was an exploration of human history, resilience, and the intricate bond between people and their land.
For any traveller seeking an adventure that transcends time and space, trekking the Rift Valley is an unforgettable experience. It is a place where you don’t just witness history—you walk through it.
How to book this experience
The “Walking in the Footsteps of Man” trek is operated by Lenotis, a specialist travel company committed to creating authentic and sustainable African experiences. Based in Tanzania, Lenotis works closely with local communities, including the Maasai, to deliver immersive travel adventures that respect and preserve the cultural and ecological heritage of the region.
With a focus on responsible tourism, Lenotis ensures that each journey not only supports conservation efforts but also provides travellers with meaningful connections to the land and its people.
Travel agents can book this experience directly through Lenotis via Footsteps of Man. Options include the standard five-day trek or extended itineraries like the Great Rift Valley Trek, combining unforgettable landscapes with insights into human history.
The four-night Footsteps of Mankind trek costs $US1700 per person (about AUD$2580), which includes all meals, drinks, guiding and personal epiphanies. Transfers from Nairobi or Arusha airports are extra. Guests require a hardy level of fitness for this trip.
