National Natural History Museum

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On a Tanzania safari, the National Natural History Museum is a treasure trove of fossils, minerals, and taxidermy specimens. The main hall is dedicated to human evolution. You will see casts of the famous hominid fossils discovered at Olduvai Gorge, including the skull of "Zinjanthropus boisei" (Nutcracker Man), which is over 1.7 million years old . The museum also displays casts of the Laetoli footprints, the trail of 3.6-million-year-old footprints left by our australopithecine ancestors . On a Tanzania safari, seeing these casts up close is a humbling experience. You are looking at the footsteps of the first humans. Another section of the museum is dedicated to the geology of Tanzania. You will see samples of tanzanite, the rare blue gemstone found only in the foothills of Kilimanjaro. There are also exhibits on the volcanic history of the Rift Valley, including samples of the unique black lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai, the "Mountain of God."

The Olduvai Gorge Exhibition

Olduvai Gorge is the most famous paleoanthropological site in the world. But the museum at the gorge is small. The National Natural History Museum in Arusha has a much larger, more comprehensive exhibition. On a Tanzania safari, you will see a detailed model of the gorge, showing the different layers of sediment that have preserved fossils for nearly two million years. The museum explains the work of Louis and Mary Leakey, the British-Kenyan paleoanthropologists who made the most important discoveries. On a Tanzania safari, you will see photographs of the Leakeys at work, their tools, and the painstaking process of excavating fragile bones. The museum also displays fossilized animal bones from Olduvai, including the teeth of an ancient elephant and the horn cores of a giant buffalo. These specimens help scientists understand the environment in which our ancestors evolved. It is a fascinating glimpse into the deep history of the land you are about to explore on your safari.

The Laetoli Footprints Casts

The Laetoli footprints are one of the most extraordinary discoveries in the history of human evolution. On a Tanzania safari, the museum has a dedicated section for these priceless fossils. The footprints were discovered in 1976 by Mary Leakey's team. They are preserved in volcanic ash at a site about 45 kilometres south of Olduvai Gorge . The footprints were made by three individuals, probably Australopithecus afarensis, who walked across the wet ash 3.6 million years ago. The museum displays a full cast of the footprint trail. On a Tanzania safari, you can see the individual toe impressions, the heel strike, and the arch of the foot. They look remarkably modern. The Laetoli footprints proved that our ancestors were walking upright long before they developed large brains. It is a powerful, emotional exhibit. You are looking at a moment in time frozen for millions of years.

The Tanzanite and Mineral Collection

Tanzania is famous for its gemstones. On a Tanzania safari, the National Natural History Museum has a stunning collection of minerals, including the rare blue-violet tanzanite. Tanzanite is found only in the Mererani Hills, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is 1,000 times rarer than diamonds . The museum explains the geology of tanzanite formation. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite, and it gets its blue colour from trace amounts of vanadium. On a Tanzania safari, you will see raw tanzanite crystals in their natural state, before they are cut and polished. The museum also displays other gemstones found in Tanzania, including tsavorite (green garnet), ruby, sapphire, and diamond. There is a replica of a mine tunnel, showing how the gems are extracted from the earth. The collection is a reminder that Tanzania's wealth is not just in its wildlife, but also in the ground beneath your feet.

The Taxidermy Collection of Birds and Mammals

The National Natural History Museum has a large collection of taxidermy specimens, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Tanzania. On a Tanzania safari, you will see lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. But the collection also includes smaller, rarer species. There is a beautiful example of a bongo, a shy, forest-dwelling antelope with striking white stripes. There are also specimens of the rare Abbott's duiker and the mountain reedbuck. On a Tanzania safari, the bird collection is extensive. You will see brightly coloured turacos, hornbills, and kingfishers. The taxidermy is not always modern. Some specimens are faded and dusty. But the collection is valuable for researchers. The museum also displays the skeletons of large animals, including an elephant skull and a giraffe vertebrae. It is a fascinating place to learn about the diversity of Tanzanian wildlife, beyond the famous big five.

The Entomology (Insect) Collection

Tanzania is home to an incredible variety of insects, from the giant Goliath beetle to the colourful butterflies of the Usambara Mountains. On a Tanzania safari, the museum's entomology collection is a hidden gem. There are drawers and drawers of pinned butterflies, moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. The collection is used by researchers to study the distribution of insect species across the country. On a Tanzania safari, you can see some of the most spectacular specimens, including the giant swallowtail butterfly, which has a wingspan of up to 20 centimetres. There are also examples of the tsetse fly, which transmits sleeping sickness, and the anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria. These insects have had a huge impact on human history in Africa. The collection is small but fascinating, a reminder that the natural world is made up of millions of tiny, intricate creatures, not just the large mammals we come to see.

The German Boma Building

The National Natural History Museum is housed in the old German Boma, a historic building in the centre of Arusha. On a Tanzania safari, the building itself is worth seeing. It was constructed in 1900 by the German colonial administration . It served as a military fort, a prison, and later as government offices. The building is made of stone, with thick walls and a red-tiled roof. It is a classic example of German colonial architecture. On a Tanzania safari, walking through the heavy wooden doors, you can feel the history. The building has a courtyard with a beautiful garden. It is a quiet, peaceful oasis in the busy city. The museum is located in the centre of Arusha, near the clock tower. It is easy to find. The Boma is one of the oldest buildings in the city, a reminder of a turbulent past, now repurposed as a centre for learning about the natural world.

The best time for a Tanzania safari to visit the National Natural History Museum is in the morning, from 10 AM to 12 PM. The museum is open daily, except on public holidays. It is a small museum, and you can easily see everything in one to two hours. On a Tanzania safari, the museum is a perfect activity for a hot afternoon, as it is cool inside. It is also a great activity for a rainy day. Avoid visiting on Sundays, as the museum can be crowded with local visitors. The museum is located in the city centre, so the traffic can be heavy. Plan to arrive early to avoid the congestion. The museum is not well-signposted from the main road, so keep your eyes open for the old German Boma building.

On a Tanzania safari, the National Natural History Museum is very easy to find. It is located on Boma Road, near the Arusha Clock Tower. The clock tower is the city's main landmark. From the clock tower, it is about a 5-minute walk. Head south on Boma Road. The museum is on your left, behind a green gate. On a Tanzania safari, you can also take a taxi or a dalla-dalla. Any taxi driver in Arusha will know the "Old Boma" or the "Natural History Museum." A ride from the city centre should cost around 5,000 to 10,000 Tanzanian shillings. Dalla-dallas heading towards the Kaloleni area are also an option, but they can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors. The museum is well-signposted once you are on Boma Road.

On a Tanzania safari, the National Natural History Museum is located in the city centre of Arusha. This is the most convenient area to stay. The Mount Meru Hotel is a classic, historic hotel located near the clock tower. The Kibo Palace Hotel and the African Tulip Hotel are excellent mid-range options. For budget travellers, there are many simple guesthouses on Sokoine Road and around the bus station. On a Tanzania safari, staying in the city centre puts you within walking distance of the museum and other attractions. It is also close to restaurants, shops, and transport hubs. The area is busy and noisy, but it is the heart of the city. If you prefer a quieter location, consider staying in the Njiro or Sekei neighbourhoods, but you will need a taxi to reach the museum.

Booking your Tanzania safari with Dav Safaris ensures that your visit to the National Natural History Museum is not just a quick stop, but a deep dive into the science of human origins and African biodiversity. Our guides are naturalists and historians. They can explain the significance of the Laetoli footprints, the geology of the Rift Valley, and the unique minerals found only in Tanzania. On a Tanzania safari with Dav Safaris, we handle everything, including your city transport and entrance fees. You just show up with your camera and your curiosity. We can combine a visit to the museum with other Arusha attractions, such as the Cultural Heritage Centre or the Arusha Declaration Museum. You focus on the ancient fossils, the sparkling gemstones, and the story of life on earth. We handle everything else on your Tanzania safari.