3 Safari Activities To Do At The Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site : A paleontological and archaeological marvel that may be seen outdoors is the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site on a Kenya safari. One of the greatest concentrations of hand axes in the world, dating to between 1.2 million and 400,000 years ago, is found here, resting in-situ. Situated on 52 acres of property donated by the Maasai community, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the Great Rift Valley between two extinct volcanoes, it is very possible to plan and discover these magnificent safari site in Kenya to have the unforgettable safari memories. Plan and prepare your Kenya safari with Focus East Africa Tours to the site you will not regret.
The Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site was initially mentioned in the early 1900s by British geologist John Walker Gregory. In 1892, 1893, and 1919, Gregory conducted studies on the Great Rift Valley system. Mary Leakey, wife of Louis Leakey, later in 1942, relocated the site to its present location. The excavations that Mary Leakey started at the site in the following year continued into 1947, revealing numerous stone artefacts and fossils of hippo, pig, giraffe, giant baboon and horse. Fossils and stone artefacts on display at the site today were discovered through further research conducted by the late Glynn Isaac.
Under the direction of Prof. Richard Potts of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of Kenya has since conducted study on the location. According to their research, there was formerly a sizable shallow lake at the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site, which drew wild species, some of which are extinct today.
These are the 3 safari activities to do at the Olorgesailie prehistoric site.
See the Ngong Hills and the Rift Valley.
The Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site is situated between Oldonyo Esakut and Mount Olorgesailie. The Ngong Hills and the Rift Valley are spectacularly seen from this vantage point. As you drive from Nairobi, you can also catch enticing glimpses of wildlife and agricultural activities outside the city.
Catwalk around In-situ Fossils.
See remnants of the extinct big elephant and hippo in their natural habitat. At the excavation site, there is a raised wooden catwalk constructed specifically for this use. A little watchtower works incredibly well for providing sweeping views of the surrounding hills, savannah plains, and the Great Rift Valley.
Appreciate the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site Journey.
See a modest site museum with lovely displays that illustrate the processes that led to the formation of the site. Also observe the exhibit on the evolution of humankind and culture in eastern Africa.
About 64 kilometres to the southwest of Nairobi is the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site. The travel from the city is just over an hour. You can also explore Magadi, a nearby town, if you set out early on your excursion. A must-see is the salt lake, home to flamingos. Alternatively, if you stay at Olorgesailie until sunset, you might see a group of baboons a km away.