Plizio Visual Lab

Songhor

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Songhor is a significant paleontological site in western Kenya, near Lake Victoria, renowned for its exceptional early Miocene fossils. Dating back approximately 19 to 20 million years, the site has yielded a vast array of early primate remains, most notably from the genus Proconsul. These findings are critical for understanding the evolutionary divergence between apes and other primate lineages. Songhor is located at the foot of the Nandi Escarpment and consists of sediments rich in volcanic ash, which facilitated the excellent preservation of skeletal material. Beyond primates, the site has produced fossils of over 30 different mammal species and various plant remains, allowing scientists to reconstruct the ancient tropical forest ecosystem. Gazetted as a National Monument, Songhor is managed by the National Museums of Kenya and remains an active site for ongoing research into the early stages of mammalian evolution in East Africa.

Location: Kenya
Nearby: Kericho (28 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	17	16	15	15	15	16	16	16	15
Rain mm	58	46	119	255	196	110	98	120	115	159	179	102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Songhor is a paleontological excavation site, not a standard tourist attraction. Access is typically restricted; visits require prior permission from the National Museums of Kenya or a research guide.

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Typical hours

There are no public opening hours. Visits are usually arranged by appointment with researchers or guides from local museums, typically during daylight.

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Photography

Photography of the site and fossils is generally allowed for educational purposes. However, touching or removing fossils is strictly prohibited to preserve the scientific value.

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Time needed

A guided visit to the fossil site can last 1 to 2 hours, depending on the level of explanation. Combine with a tour of the nearby Songhor village and its cultural history.

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Combine with

Combine with other Miocene sites in the region, such as Koru and Fort Ternan. The Kericho tea plantations are also within driving distance for a scenic contrast.

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Getting there

Located near Songhor village in the Nandi Hills, about 40 km from Kisumu. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the last stretch of dirt road leading to the site.

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Insider tip

Arrange your visit through a palaeontological tour company or the National Museums of Kenya. Bring a hat and plenty of water as the site is exposed and the sun can be strong.