Why Visit? Located in the southern Rift Valley, approximately 70 km south of Nairobi along the Magadi Road, the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site is globally renowned for its abundant Acheulean handaxe discoveries and evidence of early human social and cognitive evolution. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Olorgesailie, this site represents over 1 million years of human prehistory and is part of a larger UNESCO-recognized fossil corridor.
View the world's largest concentration of handaxes left largely undisturbed in their original context.
Exhibits include fossil bones of extinct animals like giant baboons, elephants, and hippos.
An extinct volcano offering panoramic views and hiking trails.
Learn about excavation techniques and stratigraphy.
Olorgesailie was first excavated by British archaeologists Mary and Louis Leakey in the 1940s, and later intensively studied by Glynn Isaac and a Smithsonian-led team. It remains a key site in understanding the Acheulean technological tradition, especially given the volume and variety of handaxes found in situ.
Stratified layers of sediment at the site provide a detailed record of climate change and human adaptation over hundreds of thousands of years. The site’s preservation is owed to volcanic ash that covered and protected it, enabling precise dating of its contents.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (including weekends and public holidays)
Tickets: Available via the eCitizen platform or onsite (no cash accepted)
Location: Accessible by private transport via Magadi Road; approximately 1.5–2 hours from Nairobi
Guided Tours: Led by trained site guides and museum educators
Archaeology Field Days: Hands-on activities for students and researchers
Lecture Series: Seasonal talks by archaeologists and geologists
School Outreach: Curriculum-based field trips tailored for learners of different levels
The site is managed by the National Museums of Kenya and contributes to global research in paleoenvironmental reconstruction, human evolution, and stone tool technology. Numerous international research collaborations have been carried out here, with findings featured in major scientific journals.
Museum Rest Area: Outdoor seating and interpretation spaces
Picnic & Camping Grounds: Available for day and overnight visits (advance booking required)
Toilets & Wash Facilities: Maintained and accessible
On-site Parking: Ample and secure
Best Time to Visit: Dry months (July–October) offer the most pleasant climate
Bring Sunscreen and Water: The area can be hot and dry
Photography Encouraged: Capture the volcanic landscape and artifact displays
Combine With: A visit to nearby Lake Magadi or hikes in the Nguruman Escarpment
Phone: +254 20 3741424 / +254 711 938090
Explore one of humanity’s oldest footprints at Olorgesailie—where stone tools, fossils, and landscapes tell the story of our ancient origins.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.
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