Plizio Visual Lab

Kariandusi

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Kariandusi is an important Lower Paleolithic archaeological site located near Lake Elmenteita in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, dating back approximately 700,000 to 1 million years. Discovered in 1928 by the famous paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, the site is one of the most significant examples of Acheulean tool-making sites in East Africa. The excavations revealed a vast collection of stone tools, including hand axes and cleavers made from local volcanic obsidian, which were likely used by Homo erectus for various survival tasks. The tools are remarkably well-preserved due to the quick burial by volcanic sediments and the presence of ancient lake beds that once covered the area. Kariandusi provides critical evidence of the transition in stone tool technology and the adaptation of early humans to the diverse landscapes of the Rift Valley. The site features a small museum and guided trails where artifacts can be seen in their original geological context, offering insights into the deep history of human habitation in the region. It remains a key location for understanding the migration patterns and technological innovations of early hominins during the Middle Pleistocene.

Location: Kenya
Top sights: Lake Elementaita Hot Spring · Upper Lake view stp · Birds view stp
Nearby: Gilgil (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	16	17	17	16	15	15	14	14	15	16	16	16
Rain mm	54	39	105	206	149	83	68	89	85	115	146	95

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Kariandusi is an open-air archaeological site that can be visited. The finds of hand axes and obsidian tools are displayed outdoors and in simple shelters.

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Typical hours

The site is usually open during daylight hours, often from 8 am to 5 pm. On weekends, access may be restricted; it is advisable to call ahead.

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Photography

Photography of the artifacts and landscape is allowed. Avoid touching the exhibits and do not use a tripod without permission.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk around the exhibition area. Those interested in the Stone Age can allocate one hour.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the nearby Lake Elementaita or Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site. The Gilgil area also gives birdwatching opportunities.

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Getting there

Kariandusi is about 2 km off the main road between Gilgil and Nakuru. A taxi from Gilgil is the easiest option; the gravel road is suitable for regular cars.

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Insider tip

Hire a local guide to better understand the significance of the finds. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven, and bring sun protection.

Geography

Coordinates

-0.45400, 36.27300

Facts

Lower Paleolithic site discovered in 1928 by Louis Leakey.
Contains Acheulean tools dated to approximately 1 million years ago.
Features obsidian stone tools, a rare material for the period.
Located on the basin of the prehistoric Lake Kariandusi.
Important site for studying the transition to the Middle Stone Age.
Excavated layers reveal ancient riverbeds and volcanic ash.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gilgil7 km · NWExplore →

Lake Elementaita16 km · EExplore →

Lake Nakuru National Park23 km · SExplore →

Hyrax Hill25 km · SEExplore →

Nakuru25 km · SEExplore →

Lake Ol Bolossat27 km · NEExplore →

Naivasha Flower Farms (Processing Facilities)28 km · WExplore →

Naivasha30 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kariandusi (5)

Lake Elementaita Hot Spring 📍 landmark

Geothermal hot springs by the highly alkaline Lake Elementaita, where natural thermal waters surface from the rock.

Upper Lake view stp🌿 nature

An elevated vantage point in historic Kariandusi providing an extensive panoramic view over the Lake Elementaita basin.

Birds view stp 🌿 nature

An observation post on the shores of Lake Elementaita where greater and lesser flamingos can be clearly seen.

View on lake🌿 nature

A viewpoint near the prehistoric site of Kariandusi looking directly onto the salty surface of Lake Elementaita.

Kariandusi Museum🏛 museum

An archaeological museum displaying significant prehistoric Acheulean hand axes discovered in the Rift Valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at Kariandusi?

A Paleolithic site with obsidian hand axes and a diatomite mine.

Where is Kariandusi located?

It is located near Lake Elementaita, along the main highway between Naivasha and Nakuru.

When was the site discovered?

Louis Leakey discovered the site in 1928 during one of his expeditions.

Is there a museum on site?

Yes, there is a small museum displaying finds and information on diatomite mining.

Is the site suitable for children?

Yes, it is an interesting and educational place to learn about early human history.

Kariandusi: where is it located?

Kariandusi is located in Kenya.

Kariandusi: what is there to see?

Highlights include Lake Elementaita Hot Spring, Upper Lake view stp, Birds view stp.

Kariandusi: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Kariandusi: why is it worth visiting?

Kariandusi is an important Lower Paleolithic archaeological site located near Lake Elmenteita in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, dating back approximately 700,000 to 1 million years.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Kariandusi

Best time to visit & climate