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
- NEW!—Join the Primates Adventure and Trekking 2025—Are you interested in seeing Jane Goodall's research site in Tanzania? Does studying the behavioral habits and understanding conservation of chimpanzees interest you? Contact Julie Russ (jruss@asu.edu) to get on the list for the next "Primates" trip in July 2025.
- Grand Canyon 2025—This trip is full!—IHO will be running this trip again in 2027.
Interested in traveling with us?
A fourth trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with geologists Chris Campisano and Ramon Arrowsmith is full! If you are interested in getting on this trip for this May 2027 trip, email Aubree Morrissey at aubree.morrissey@asu.edu
View the IHO Trips Brochure and Insert for past trips programs.
Contact Aubree Morrissey to reserve your spot today!
Aubree Morrissey
aubree.morrissey@asu.edu
Office 480.727.6580
Past Trips
South Africa (2024)
Travel through the Cradle of Humankind with some of the world's experts in human origins and our earliest life on the planet as modern humans—an experience that you cannot find anywhere else!
Float the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (2019, 2021, 2023. 2025)
Sign up for May/June 2025 trip!
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