Ready to travel? Schedule a conversation with an Away to Africa agent today!
Ready to travel? Schedule a conversation with an Away to Africa agent today!
Ready to travel? Schedule a conversation with an Away to Africa agent today!
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
THE BONES OF LUCY - ETHIOPIA
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND - SOUTH AFRICA
THE BOY OF TURKANA - KENYA
Visit These Countries in Africa to Learn About the Origin of Mankind
Visit These Countries in Africa to Learn About the Origin of Mankind
The etymology of the word Africa is difficult to resolve, because it’s the birthplace of mankind and its history is ancient. If you’re interested in learning more about the origin of human life, here are the key countries to visit in Africa.
The etymology of the word Africa is difficult to resolve, because it’s the birthplace of mankind and its history is ancient. If you’re interested in learning more about the origin of human life, here are the key countries to visit in Africa.
KENYA
The Turkana Boy Fossil - Visit Lake Turkana Kenya
Species: Homo ergaster
Organism: Homo ergaster
Place discovered: Lake Turkana, Kenya
Discovered by: Kamoya Kimeu/Richard Leakey
Age: 1.5 - 1.6 mya
Species: Homo ergaster
Organism: Homo ergaster
Place discovered: Lake Turkana, Kenya
Discovered by: Kamoya Kimeu/ Richard Leakey
Age: 1.5 - 1.6 mya
Turkana Boy, also called Nariokotome Boy, is the name given to fossil KNM-WT 15000, a nearly complete skeleton of a Homo erectus youth who lived 1.5 to 1.6 million years ago. This specimen is the most complete Homo erectus skeleton ever found. Some authorities designate it as Homo ergaster. Species: Homo ergaster Organism: Homo ergaster Place discovered: Lake Turkana, Kenya Discovered by: Kamoya Kimeu/Richard Leakey Age: 1.5 - 1.6 mya
Turkana Boy, also called Nariokotome Boy, is the name given to fossil KNM-WT 15000, a nearly complete skeleton of a Homo erectus youth who lived 1.5 to 1.6 million years ago. This specimen is the most complete Homo erectus skeleton ever found. Some authorities designate it as Homo ergaster.
Turkana Boy, also called Nariokotome Boy, is the name given to fossil KNM-WT 15000, a nearly complete skeleton of a Homo erectus youth who lived 1.5 to 1.6 million years ago. This specimen is the most complete Homo erectus skeleton ever found. Some authorities designate it as Homo ergaster.
Turkana Boy, also called Nariokotome Boy, is the name given to fossil KNM-WT 15000, a nearly complete skeleton of a Homo erectus youth who lived 1.5 to 1.6 million years ago. This specimen is the most complete Homo erectus skeleton ever found. Some authorities designate it as Homo ergaster. Species: Homo ergaster Organism: Homo ergaster Place discovered: Lake Turkana, Kenya Discovered by: Kamoya Kimeu/Richard Leakey Age: 1.5 - 1.6 mya
TANZANIA
Visit Olduvai Gorge Museum.
Visit Olduvai Gorge Museum.
In the 1950s and 60s, anthropologists found several ancestors of humankind in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. In the 1950s and 60s, anthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered fossils of Homo habilis in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, naming it the "handy human" due to its likely use of tools. These finds, including teeth and parts of a skeleton, were among the first hominin fossils discovered in the area and helped confirm the presence of the Homo genus in East Africa.. This spawned further exploration for ancestral remains across East Africa. Scientists have since found hundreds of fossils here, and visitors can explore the territory at the Olduvai Gorge Museum.
In the 1950s and 60s, anthropologists found several ancestors of humankind in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. In the 1950s and 60s, anthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered fossils of Homo habilis in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, naming it the "handy human" due to its likely use of tools. These finds, including teeth and parts of a skeleton, were among the first hominin fossils discovered in the area and helped confirm the presence of the Homo genus in East Africa.. This spawned further exploration for ancestral remains across East Africa. Scientists have since found hundreds of fossils here, and visitors can explore the territory at the Olduvai Gorge Museum.
ETHIOPIA
Visit "Lucy" at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
Visit "Lucy" at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
Then, in 1974, the skeleton of the first ancestor of humans was found in Hadar, Ethiopia. This fossil is said to be 3.8 million years old. Today, a replica of Lucy can be found at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where her skeletons are stored in a safe only accessible to scientists and other official personnel. The oldest remains of modern humans were also found in Ethiopia, and are said to be 230,000 years old. Ethiopia is a great place to visit to learn about the history of both the ancestors of humans, who are called hominins, and also the first modern humans.
Then, in 1974, the skeleton of the first ancestor of humans was found in Hadar, Ethiopia. This fossil is said to be 3.8 million years old. Today, a replica of Lucy can be found at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where her skeletons are stored in a safe only accessible to scientists and other official personnel. The oldest remains of modern humans were also found in Ethiopia, and are said to be 230,000 years old. Ethiopia is a great place to visit to learn about the history of both the ancestors of humans, who are called hominins, and also the first modern humans.
SOUTH AFRICA
Visit the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa
Visit the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa
By 1999, UNESCO declared the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa, an official World Heritage Site. This region in South Africa, which sits about 30 miles away from Johannesburg, is where scientists found the oldest known fossils of man, which was at least 3 million years old. You can actually visit the Cradle of Humankind site in South Africa, where you'll learn not only about the oldest known fossil of man, but also a ton about the overall history of humans on Earth.
By 1999, UNESCO declared the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa, an official World Heritage Site. This region in South Africa, which sits about 30 miles away from Johannesburg, is where scientists found the oldest known fossils of man, which was at least 3 million years old. You can actually visit the Cradle of Humankind site in South Africa, where you'll learn not only about the oldest known fossil of man, but also a ton about the overall history of humans on Earth.
The Origins of Alkebula - The Birthplace of Mankind
The Origins of Alkebula - The Birthplace of Mankind
The study of the origin and historical development of the word “Africa” - otherwise called the etymology of Africa - is a contentious topic that many linguistic and historical experts disagree on.
Undeniably, there are many reasons why the etymology of Africa is hard to pinpoint.
Science has proven that the world’s first man came from Africa, and today the continent is home to well over a billion people who are culturally, ethnically and linguistically far from monolithic. By its very nature, therefore, Africa’s roots run deep and are complex, which makes it hard to identify the etymology of Africa or one, universal origin story of the word.
The study of the origin and historical development of the word “Africa” - otherwise called the etymology of Africa - is a contentious topic that many linguistic and historical experts disagree on.
Undeniably, there are many reasons why the etymology of Africa is hard to pinpoint.
Science has proven that the world’s first man came from Africa, and today the continent is home to well over a billion people who are culturally, ethnically and linguistically far from monolithic. By its very nature, therefore, Africa’s roots run deep and are complex, which makes it hard to identify the etymology of Africa or one, universal origin story of the word.
Etymology of Africa: Indigenious Origin Theories
Etymology of Africa: Indigenious Origin Theories
Etymology of Africa: Indigenious Origin Theories
Alkebulan
One school of thought argues that Africa was originally referred to as Alkebulan by its people, long before the name Africa came about. Alkebulan is an indigenous term that wasn’t given to Africans by Europeans.
In the book Kemetic History of Afrika, celebrated Senegalese historian, the late Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop, asserts that the ancient name of Africa was Alkebu-lan, meaning “mother of mankind” or “garden of eden.” The name Alkebulan, he writes, was used by the Moors, Nubians, Ethiopians and other indigenous people. This theory aligns with Kemetic (Egyptian religious) and Ethiopian texts that anoint Africa as the genesis of creation.
Alkebulan
One school of thought argues that Africa was originally referred to as Alkebulan by its people, long before the name Africa came about. Alkebulan is an indigenous term that wasn’t given to Africans by Europeans.
In the book Kemetic History of Afrika, celebrated Senegalese historian, the late Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop, asserts that the ancient name of Africa was Alkebu-lan, meaning “mother of mankind” or “garden of eden.” The name Alkebulan, he writes, was used by the Moors, Nubians, Ethiopians and other indigenous people. This theory aligns with Kemetic (Egyptian religious) and Ethiopian texts that anoint Africa as the genesis of creation.
Afru-ika
According to Guyanese-born, British professor of African studies, Dr. Ivan Gladstone Van Sertima, the etymology of Africa is linked to the Egyptian word “Afru-ika,” which translated to “motherland.” Like Alkebulan, this theory also assigns indigenous roots to the etymology of Africa.
Afraka
Another school of thought posits that the Dogons, an ethnic group indigenous to the region of Mali, West Africa, defined people across the continent as AfRAkan. Theorists argue that while the term may appear similar, it’s unlike the word African because it was created by the continent’s people and not a European explorer. AfRAka is defined as, “First-Sun-Soul.” Of course, like Alkebulan and Afru-ika, this theory also assigns indigenous roots to the etymology of Africa.
Afraka
Another school of thought posits that the Dogons, an ethnic group indigenous to the region of Mali, West Africa, defined people across the continent as AfRAkan. Theorists argue that while the term may appear similar, it’s unlike the word African because it was created by the continent’s people and not a European explorer. AfRAka is defined as, “First-Sun-Soul.” Of course, like Alkebulan and Afru-ika, this theory also assigns indigenous roots to the etymology of Africa.
Explore The Origins Of Mankind With Away To Africa
Explore The Origins Of Mankind With Away To Africa
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Etymology of Africa: European Origin Theories
Other theorists believe that the etymology of Africa traces back to Arabic, Roman, Latin and even Dutch infiltration of the continent.
Arabic definition for Africa
The Arabic theory assumes the Arabic word “firk” or “frik,” which means separate, divide, or conquer, is the root for the word of Africa. This assigns an Arabic foundation to the etymology of Africa.
Roman definition for Africa
Other studies on the etymology of Africa theorize that the spelling and popularization of Africa originated from Romans who conquered what is now modern day Tunisia, and identified the continent as Africa terra (the feminine form of Africus, which is Roman mythological deity), meaning the land of the North African tribe, Afri.
Roman definition for Africa
Other studies on the etymology of Africa theorize that the spelling and popularization of Africa originated from Romans who conquered what is now modern day Tunisia, and identified the continent as Africa terra (the feminine form of Africus, which is Roman mythological deity), meaning the land of the North African tribe, Afri.
Latin definition for Africa
Another etymology of Africa theory posits that the origin of the spelling of Africa stems from the Latin words “Afer,” which means black or dark, and “Aprica,” meaning sunny.
Greek definition for Africa
Still, some argue that the etymology of Africa has Greek origins. Phrike is a Greek word “meaning land of cold and horror.” When preceded by an “A-” prefix, the word Aphrike is formed, which holds the opposite meaning: “land free of cold and horror.” This aptly defines the continent and its climate in contrast to European winters.
Greek definition for Africa
Still, some argue that the etymology of Africa has Greek origins. Phrike is a Greek word “meaning land of cold and horror.” When preceded by an “A-” prefix, the word Aphrike is formed, which holds the opposite meaning: “land free of cold and horror.” This aptly defines the continent and its climate in contrast to European winters.
Dutch definition for Africa
Another term for the continent was “Afrika.” While phonetically similar to “Africa,” it is believed that the “k” was substituted with the letter “c” to make the word appear more European. This is further supported by a comparison between Dutch and Afrikaan languages. Afrikaan is a language native to South Africa and Namibia. It’s partially creole, which is a fusion of multiple languages, but is around 90% Dutch. The big change Afrikaan makes from traditional Dutch is replacing the hard “c” with a “k.”
Dutch definition for Africa
Another term for the continent was “Afrika.” While phonetically similar to “Africa,” it is believed that the “k” was substituted with the letter “c” to make the word appear more European. This is further supported by a comparison between Dutch and Afrikaan languages. Afrikaan is a language native to South Africa and Namibia. It’s partially creole, which is a fusion of multiple languages, but is around 90% Dutch. The big change Afrikaan makes from traditional Dutch is replacing the hard “c” with a “k.”
We’re sure these theories only scratch the surface of the complicated etymology of Africa.
From Alkebulan, to Afru-ika, Afraka, Afri, Afer, Aprica and Afrika, the true etymology of Africa is still under-determined, even though the word itself was arguably born in the late 17th century. How will you determine the truth about the etymology of Africa? We say, go with whatever resonates with you - whatever your gut feels is true.
We’re sure these theories only scratch the surface of the complicated etymology of Africa.
From Alkebulan, to Afru-ika, Afraka, Afri, Afer, Aprica and Afrika, the true etymology of Africa is still under-determined, even though the word itself was arguably born in the late 17th century. How will you determine the truth about the etymology of Africa? We say, go with whatever resonates with you - whatever your gut feels is true.
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Collaborate With Us
Yes! We work with travel agents & welcome partnerships with other travel stakeholders.
Have Questions About Our Trips?
We're available M-F. Schedule a chat with an Away to Africa agent today.
We are proud to rank among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor worldwide.
© 2025 Away to Africa ™ Powered by Hex & Layouts
Collaborate With Us
Yes! We work with travel agents & welcome partnerships with other travel stakeholders.
Have Questions About Our Trips?
We're available M-F. Schedule a chat with an Away to Africa agent today.
We are proud to rank among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor worldwide.
© 2025 Away to Africa ™ Powered by Hex & Layouts