Discover the Engaresero Footprint Site, a remarkable archaeological treasure located south of Lake Natron. This site, discovered in 2006 and brought to scientific attention in 2008, boasts over 400 well-preserved fossilized footprints that are between 5,000 to 19,000 years old. Covering an area slightly larger than a tennis court, the Engaresero Footprint Site provides an incredible glimpse into the lives of ancient humans.
The footprints are particularly fascinating due to their abundance and diversity. Some tracks suggest people were jogging, while others indicate a person with a possibly broken toe. Several tracks point to a group of people, mostly women and children, traveling together. This variety offers valuable insights into the behavior and movement patterns of our early ancestors.
Your visit to the Engaresero Footprint Site will be guided, allowing you to appreciate the historical and scientific significance of these ancient tracks. The footprints were preserved in volcanic ash mud from the nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, which helped fossilize and protect these delicate imprints over millennia.
A typical visit to the Engaresero Footprint Site lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. The site is situated in a scenic area near the southern shore of Lake Natron, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the imposing Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The journey to the site is an adventure in itself, often requiring a sturdy vehicle to navigate the rugged terrain.
This excursion is a perfect complement to other activities at Lake Natron, such as the Flamingo Lake Walk and the Ngare Sero Waterfall hike. It provides an enriching experience for those interested in archaeology, anthropology, and the early history of human movement.