Image credit – https://alchetron.com/
Kenya is known as a hotbed for archaeological finds that add to our study of human evolution. In reality, Kenya has produced fossil material that tells the entire story of human evolution. About 700 of the more than 350,000 fossils in the collection at the National Museums of Kenya are believed to be pre-historic human remains. This display honors some of the key human fossil discoveries made in Kenya. We will take a closer look at six pre-historic sites in Kenya.
Finding the top resorts in Mombasa or near? Want to know more about the top hotels on South Coast? Planning to visit historic sites in East Africa? Click below.
Key Facts
1. More fossil human remains from different species have been found in Kenya than in any other African nation.
2. Kenya has about 20 Miocene sites. The Miocene, which lasted from 23 million to 2.6 million years ago, is the initial geological period of the Neogene Period.
3. The Turkana Boy (1.6 million years old), one of Kenya’s most complete skeletons, has advanced the study of early human physiology.
4. The Tugen Hills in Kenya are where the continent’s oldest human bones were discovered, dating back 7 million years.
Discover 6 Pre-Historic Sites in Kenya to Explore the Origins of Man
Image credit – The Leaky Foundation.
One of the most famous anthropologists and archaeologists in Kenya is Louis Leakey. His fossil finds showed that, as per early theories, Africa was the center of human evolution.
From 1945 to 1961, he served as a curator at the Coryndon Memorial Museum in Nairobi, which is now the main office of the National Museums of Kenya. In order to know the evolution of humans, he also founded the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) in 1960 using monkeys as models. Do you know about Louis Leakey’s notable discoveries? Here are the most notable pre-historic sites in Kenya. Keep reading to know about the best south coast beach hotels.
[Suggested Read: Top 7 Historical Sites of Kenya & Take a Trip to Msambweni]
1. Kariandusi pre-historic site
Unable to find the best places in Kenya? One of the first pre-historic sites in Kenya and East Africa to be found was the archaeological site at Kariandusi. There was enough geological evidence to prove that this region was once home to huge lakes that often reached heights hundreds of meters higher than Lake Nakuru and Elementaita today.
Kariandusi may be the first Acheulian site located in situ in East Africa and dates back between 700,000 and 1 million years. Famous paleontologist Dr. Leakey thought that this location was an Acheulian-era factory. After discovering ranges of specimens laying in the Kariandusi riverbed, he came to this conclusion.
In 1928, the hand-axe man’s living setting was found. Pre-historic men were driven from their lakeside house by a rise in the lake level, and they quickly buried all of the tools and weapons they had left behind. The Great Hand-Axe Culture’s Acheulian stage, to which this site belongs, is located across a large region, from England to Cape Town via France and Southwest Europe. Unable to find affordable places to visit in Mombasa? You will find some if you keep reading.
Image credit – https://famousnakuru.co.ke/
2. Hyrax Hill Museum
Want to visit the best tourist places in Kenya? The Hyrax Museum, which is in Nakuru town, presents the way of life of pre-historic people who lived in seasonal villages at least 3,000 years ago. It is one of the best pre-historic sites in Kenya to visit. Hyraxes, which are widespread in this region and reside in cracks in the rock, were the inspiration for the hill’s name.
Hyrax Hill was first identified as an area of archaeological interest by the L.S.B. Dr.Leakey-led East African Archaeological Expedition in 1926. Mary Leakey conducted some archaeological research on the hill in 1937. Since then, there have been studies, with Ron Clarke’s major attempts in 1965. A well-known site for archaeological research, Hyrax Hill serves as a starting point for studies of East Africa’s pre-history.
Image credit – Wikipedia
3. Koobi Fora, Lake Turkana
Want to discover famous historical sites in Kenya? Many discoveries have been found at Koobi Fora, to the north of Allia Bay, beginning in 1969 with the discovery of Paranthropus boisei. The ensuing find of Homo habilis shows the shift in the setting from moist forest grassland, when the now petrified woods were changing, to the current hot desert, and provides evidence of the presence of a logical hominid two million years ago.
The human and pre-human fossils come from five species that were all discovered in the same location: Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens, and more. These findings were crucial for knowing the human species’ history. Lake Turkana is one of the most visited pre-historic sites in Kenya. Do you know the size of Lake Turkana? It has a surface area of 6,405 km2.
Image credit – www.lstmed.ac.uk
4. Institute of Primate Research
Looking to visit more pre-historic sites in Kenya? In order to better know how humans evolved, Louis Leakey founded the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) in 1960. The IPR serves as a center for research of East African primates. Since its founding, IPR has grown in terms of both physical and scientific facilities.
Its current emphasis is on the breeding of non-human primates and their use in research to prevent and/or treat human diseases despite high standards for animal welfare. The Institute is home to breeding colonies of about 270 primates that live both indoors and outdoors.
5. Olorgesailie pre-historic site
The only location in the world with this many stone tools is the pre-historic site of Olorgesailie, which is known as the “factory of stone tools”. The buildup of human artifacts is proof that early men camped out and that the human race began in the tropics. The location is in a lake basin that dates back between 100,000 and 200,000 years. This is one of the pre-historic sites in Kenya that is not well-known but interesting. Where is Olorgesailie located? It is located on the floor of the Eastern Rift Valley in southern Kenya.
6. Thimlich Ohinga Historic Site
181 km south of Kisumu, in the Migori area of Nyanza province, stands a striking stone building known as Thimlich Ohinga. Materials discovered on the site have archaeological records that stretch back more than 500 years. The stone enclosure’s walls range in height from 1.0 to 4.2 meters and were constructed out of loose stones and blocks, without the use of mortar or treatment. It is one of the most well-known pre-historic sites in Kenya.
[Suggested Read: Top 10 Organizations for Kenya Volunteer Opportunities]
Stay in Mombasa South Coast While You Explore Pre-Historic Sites in Kenya
Many cities of Kenya show iconic history and culture. Feeling like you want to stay at the best resorts in Mombasa or near? Where is Msambweni in Kenya? Staying in south coast Mombasa while exploring pre-historic sites in Kenya is an amazing choice. Msambweni in Swahili is a small fishing town in Kwale County in the south of Kenya.
Msambweni in Kenya offers beautiful beaches, tranquil settings, and convenient access to many vital pre-historic sites in the country. Msambweni weather is pleasant all year round. The Msambweni location is convenient if you want to combine your stay with the authentic African safari.
Why are you searching for villas in Diani? Msambweni Beach House in Msambweni is the best beach resort in Msambweni and is only a 30-minute drive from Ukunda Kenya and Diani (the south coast of Mombasa). Ideal for honeymoons, weddings, birthdays, private parties, and family time on the private beach. Featuring azure blue waters and Indian Ocean views, the resort is a slice of paradise. Searching for a private beach in Mombasa or near? Look no further because it has a private 3km stretch of white sand.
This Kenya luxury hotel has a Main House with 3 master suites and 1 ocean suite and 3 separate private Msambweni villas. Want to enjoy the summer with swimming pools in Mombasa or near? Being one of the best Kenya beach houses, the Main House contains a 14-meter infinity pool shared by 4 bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms, including 1 ocean suite. Each villa at this Msambweni hotel has its own private pool and private garden with modern amenities like satellite TV and AC. Msambweni Beach Hotel boasts a bar and lounge area as well.
Want to take your partner to romantic restaurants in Mombasa or near? It is an absolute joy to eat at Msambweni Beach House, also known as Msambweni Beach House. Every meal will be a true delicacy thanks to the well-trained kitchen team overseen by a famous Belgian chef. You will have a wide variety of dining options, including seafood, Swahili foods, Belgian cuisine, and French cuisine. Experience the setting for a romantic meal by the pool with candles and the sounds of the Indian Ocean.
Looking for places to visit in south coast Mombasa? While staying in Msambweni, you can plan day trips or overnight excursions to many pre-historic sites like Hyrax Hill, Gedi Ruins, Koobi Fora, and more. Are you interested in exploring the activities in Diani or adventures in Kenya? There are a range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery and relax on the pristine beaches. Msambweni Beach Resort can also arrange a visit to Shimba Hills and the Kisite Marine Park.
Pre-Historic Sites in Kenya Boast Amazing Archaeological Discoveries
Kenya is well-known for its amazing pre-historic sites that have yielded vital discoveries. These sites offer insights into the ancient human history and the evolution of our species. These pre-historic sites in Kenya have attracted tourists, scientists, and more from around the world. They study and contribute to our knowledge of human evolution.
Visiting these sites allows you to witness first-hand the remnants of our ancient past. It’s a captivating experience for anyone to know anthropology or the origins of humankind.
Do you want to go on a holiday in Mombasa or near? Are you looking for beach hotels in Mombasa Kenya? Do you want to explore the pre-historic sites in Kenya? Searching for Msambweni Beach House accommodation? Contact us to stay in your own private villa with a pool and discover the many historical sites of Kenya.
