The Face of the Underworld: Meeting the Olive Baboon
I’ve always found the "dog face" of the Olive Baboon to be a little threatening. Their sheer size and those formidable teeth make them one of the most respected primates on the savanna.
Why "Olive"?
This species is commonly called "olive" due to the unique coat of the Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)—a blend of grey-greenish fur that provides excellent camouflage in the African scrub.
The Mythological Connection
The official name, Papio anubis, carries a dark and fascinating history. While Papio is the genus marker for baboons, Anubis is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian god of the underworld.
When the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Audebert named this primate in 1797, he was struck by the muzzle's resemblance to the jackal-headed deity. Like the god who weighed the hearts of the dead, the Olive Baboon has a piercing, "dog-faced" gaze that feels like it’s looking right through you.
Experience the Serengeti Wildlife
From the "dog-faced" baboons to the elusive leopards, the Serengeti is a land of living legends.
Expedition Update:
February 2026: Sold Out. All seats are taken!
2027: We are heading back! Email us (here’s the link) to join the 2027 Waitlist and be the first to receive details on our next Tanzanian adventure.