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Olorgesailie
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Olorgesailie is a world-renowned prehistoric site located in the southern Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 65 kilometers from Nairobi on the way to Lake Magadi. This archaeological area is famous for the incredibly high density of Acheulean stone tools, particularly hand axes, which were produced by early hominins such as Homo erectus between 1.2 million and 400,000 years ago. The site was first discovered by geologist J.W. Gregory in 1893 and later extensively excavated by Mary and Louis Leakey starting in the 1940s, revealing layers of volcanic ash and lake sediments that preserved the ancient environment. The abundance of tools suggests that the area served as a significant site for tool manufacture and animal butchery near an ancient lake that has since dried up. Visitors can see the stone tools in situ on raised catwalks, providing a unique perspective on the technological capabilities and social behaviors of early humans. Olorgesailie continues to be a major center for research into human evolution, climate change, and the ecological shifts that influenced hominin survival in East Africa.
- Location: Kenya
- Top sights: Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site · Olorgesailie Bridge
- Nearby: Ngong (30 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 36 | 83 | 138 | 96 | 37 | 23 | 31 | 33 | 56 | 76 | 71 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Olorgesailie is a prehistoric open-air site in Kenya's Rift Valley that is open to visitors. The grounds are freely accessible, with a small museum explaining the finds.
Typical hours
The site is usually open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's advisable to call the National Museums of Kenya ahead, as times can change.
Photography
Photography of the tools and landscape is allowed. Do not touch the exhibits and stay on the paths to protect the finds.
Time needed
Allow about 1-1.5 hours for walking the site and visiting the museum. Those keen on archaeology may linger longer.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a safari in nearby Nairobi National Park or a side trip to the Magadi Lakes. Mount Longonot is also not far.
Getting there
Olorgesailie is about 70 km southwest of Nairobi along the Magadi Road. Best reached by rental car or organized tour.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and a snack, as there are no food facilities on site. Binoculars can be useful for spotting birds and wildlife in the area.
Geography
Facts
- Holds the world's highest concentration of Acheulean hand axes.
- Hominin activities dated between 1.2 million and 400,000 years ago.
- Discovered in 1893 by the geologist John Walter Gregory.
- Extensive excavations conducted by Louis and Mary Leakey in 1942.
- Located in the Rift Valley near the dormant Mount Olorgesailie.
- Features an open-air museum with tools left in situ.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Olorgesailie (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Olorgesailie?
It is a world-famous prehistoric site, known for its vast number of hand axes.
How far is it from Nairobi?
It is located about 70 kilometers southwest of Nairobi on the road to Lake Magadi.
Can you stay overnight?
Yes, there are basic guest huts (bandas) and a campsite on-site.
Are there animals there too?
In the arid surroundings, you can see birds and occasionally giraffes or gazelles.
How hot does it get there?
It can get very hot during the day; sun protection and plenty of water are essential.
Olorgesailie: where is it located?
Olorgesailie is located in Kenya.
Olorgesailie: what is there to see?
Highlights include Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site, Olorgesailie Bridge.
Olorgesailie: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Olorgesailie: why is it worth visiting?
Olorgesailie is a world-renowned prehistoric site located in the southern Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 65 kilometers from Nairobi on the way to Lake Magadi.
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