The prominence and accumulation of human tools represents actual camping places of early men and evidence that human species had a tropical origin. The site is in a lake basin that existed about 100,000 to 200’000 years ago.
Researchers, Dr. and Mrs. Leakey, started investigations on the site in 1942 where they found important evidence that concerns the habits and activities of early prehistoric peoples of the Acheuleus or “Hand axe” culture.
Olorgesailie has excellently preserved biological and cultural evidence about the evolution of man.
This was made possible by heavy falls of alkaline volcanic ash from the nearby Mt. Suswa and Mt. Longonot, which might have contributed much to the accumulated ash in the lake basin. There is evidence of humid climate during part of the middle Pleistocene that is given by temporary lakes and swamps that exist in the area today. The sediments left by the lake cover an area of 80 km2.
Things to do/ Attractions
-Museum and site- the museum interprets the pre-historic site. One can then take a walk to see the actual site and the discoveries made here
-Bird watching- the site is a bird watcher’s paradise citing the highest number of migratory bird species in Kenya.
-Mountain climbing- Mt. Olorgesailie was named after a renown Maasai elder who used to meditate and hold meetings with village elders up the mountain. On average it takes 3 hours to ascend and the same to descend best climbed from 5:00 am.
-Camp site- affordable camping facilities available.
-Picnic site
-Baboon camp- congregation of baboons in the evening 1 km from the campsite.
