Kenya is endowed with the richest pre-historic fossil heritage dating over 100 Million years ago, back into the dinosaur age. The National Museums of Kenya holds the world’s largest collection of human pre-history, the longest and most complete record spanning over 27 Million years.
You can also find records of fauna and plant species related to the evolution theory sycg as elephants, crocodiles- displayed in-situ at the Cradle of Mankind site.
In addition to fossil records, the existence of a long record of technological evolution with tools as old as 2.3 million years old also exists. The study of human evolution still continues to-date through the tireless efforts of Kenyan scientists at the National Museums of Kenya.
Mr. Kamoya Kimeu, a Kenyan, made our most famous discovery; the Turkana Boy dated 1.6 Million years. This was a young boy of 9 – 12 years old, 1.6 meters tall, and is the only almost complete skeleton of a human related fossil ever found in the world.
Make your pilgrim trip to the Cradle of Mankind and discover the land where our ancestors once trod.
Kariandusi Prehistoric Site
Near Elmenteita is the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site. This site was unearthed by Louis Leakey in the 1920’s and has been a rich source of prehistoric obsidian tools, made by early humans between 1.4 million and 200,000 years ago. Most of the tools found at Kariandusi are cutting implements which seem to have been used for butchering meat.
These excavations can be visited and there is a small Museum. This is easily accessible from the Nairobi – Nakuru highway.
Olorgasalie Prehistoric Site
Olorgasalie, located near Lake Magadi, is an important archeological site. This area was an area of intensive habitation and activity by a population of Homo erectus, around 500,000 years ago. The digs here have uncovered plenty of fossils, tools and early artifacts. The site is open to the public and well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in Prehistory.
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site
Near Nakuru is the Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site. This site was unearthed by Louis Leakey in the 1920’s and ever since has been a rich source of Neolithic fossils, tools, and Iron Age artifacts. These excavations can be visited and there is an on-site Museum. The site is easily accessible from Nakuru.
Koobi Fora Prehistoric Site
Lake Turkana also referred to as the Jade Sea is an area of great importance in terms of human culture. It is possible to visit the prehistoric site at Koobi Fora on the far North shores of the lake near Sibiloi. There is an ongoing excavation here that has produced a great wealth of fossil evidence.
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