Travel and Learn with IHO

travel collage

Immerse yourself in the span of human history with engaging scientists and a rich understanding of history

Educational Travel At Its Best

The Institute of Human Origins has a long history of research in Africa and the world to understand the course and timing of human development—the history of how we “became human.” This is our human history, and we believe that sharing this knowledge with the public is as important as sharing the science.

Our expeditions are different from any other travel experience. This is not just travel—it is immersion in the span of human history, hosted by IHO and ASU scientists who add a richer understanding to the travel experience.

At the same time, our travel adventures have been designed for fun, excitement, and comfort and take advantage of the best accommodations and sailing vessels available in the industry. We partner with top travel providers who are specialists in exotic areas of the world.

Plus, tour leaders, like Don Johanson and other IHO scientists, have been accompanying our travelers since the 1980s to Ethiopia, France, Galapagos, Madagascar, South Africa, and Tanzania, and as well as being seasoned world travelers themselves. With years of experience, we understand the balance between a great travel experience and a rich learning program.

Upcoming trips

  • 50th Anniversary of the Lucy Discovery Event—The Legacy of Lucy—Ethiopia 2024 with IHO Founding Director Donald Johanson PhD

    • This trip is full! 

    • Highlights—This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
    • See the original Lucy fossil skeleton in the National Museum of Ethiopia with Lucy discoverer Donald Johanson and IHO Director Yohannes Haile-Selassie
    • Travel Ethiopia historic sites and see the pageantry of the Timkat Festival
    • Visit the Simean Mountains to see the protected gelada baboons
    • Stay two nights in a tented camp at the IHO research camp site and visit the original site of the Lucy discovery!

Interested in traveling with us?

A third trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with geologists Chris Campisano and Ramon Arrowsmith is now full! If you are interested in getting on this trip for this May 2025 trip, email Julie Russ at jruss@asu.edu

View the IHO Trips Brochure and Insert for past and future trips programs.

Contact Julie Russ to reserve your spot today!

Julie Russ, Assistant Director
jruss.iho@asu.edu (link sends e-mail)
Office 480.727.6571

Past Trips

Float the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (2019, 2021, 2023)
Taking wait list reservations for May/June 2025

with ASU geologists Chris Campisano PhD and Ramon Arrowsmith PhD
Expedition website

Primates and Paleoanthropology Expedition (2018)
Tanzania and Rwanda in search of our primate cousins
Hosted by Ian Gilby, PhD 
Detailed itinerary | Frequently asked questions

Israel: Ancient life, sacred sites, and modern cities
 [PDF] (2016 and 2022)
Prehistoric caves, private tours of fossil collections, and the best of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Nazareth
Hosted by Willian Kimbel PhD, former IHO Director (2016) and Gary Schwartz PhD, IHO Research Scientist (2022)
and Yoel Rak, Professor Emeritus of Anatomy, Tel Aviv University


Indonesia: Java Man, Ancient Temples, and Orangutans [PDF] (2015)
Exotic and beautiful culture of Java and eco-tour of orangutans in their natural habitat
Hosted by Donald Johanson PhD, IHO Founding Director

Galapagos Islands: Darwin’s Enchanted Islands
 [PDF] (2014)
Live Darwin’s journey of discovery through nature’s abundant diversity
Hosted by William Kimbel PhD, IHO Director
Sailing again!—Let us know if you are interested

Prehistoric cave art
: Bordeaux region of France: [PDF] (2013 and 2022)
Hidden art of early humans: Neandertals, early modern humans, and their places of expression
Hosted by independent researcher Roy Larick PhD 
and Donald Johanson PhD, IHO Founding Director

Ethiopia: The land of “Lucy" [PDF] (2012 and 2024)
Visit 
“Lucy’s birthplace” in the Awash Valley of Hadar, modern Addis Ababa, and the Timkat Festival

Hosted by Donald Johanson PhD, IHO Founding Director

Tanzania: Human origins and the great migration [PDF] (2011 and 2023)

A classic safari through the “cradle of mankind” in the shadow of Kilimanjaro
Hosted by Donald Johanson PhD, IHO Founding Director

South Africa: Ancient voices, wildlife, and human origins [PDF] (2010)
Taking wait list reservations for South Africa June 2024 with IHO Research Scientist Kaye Reed and SESE researcher David Feary

2010 trip hosted by Donald Johanson PhD, IHO Founding Director