Timeline
05:52
Olorgesailie pre-historic site
Arrive at the Olorgesailie pre-historic site well before dawn. The site is 70 km from Nairobi along Magadi road, so leave enough time for the drive. Park up and find a quiet spot near the bandas-huts or camping area to wait for the light.
06:37
Olorgesailie pre-historic site
Watch the sunrise. On January 15th, the sun rises at 06:37 and begins casting golden light around 18:21, setting toward the WSW. The early morning light highlights the ancient lakebed and the stone tools scattered across the landscape.
07:07
Olorgesailie pre-historic site
Stay for the golden hour. The light continues to brighten the prehistoric site, offering the best conditions for photography and reflection. The site has shower and WC facilities if you need to freshen up before heading back.
Local tip
The site is remote. Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no food or drink shops on site. Check your transport route carefully, as Magadi road can be busy with trucks.
Check before you go
- The site is 70 km from Nairobi. Plan your drive time accordingly.
- No food or drink facilities are available on-site. Bring provisions.
- If you wish to hike Mt Olorgesailie, allow an entire day for that activity.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Nairobi (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).