South-west of Nairobi, the road drops from the cool highlands into the hot, dry floor of the Rift Valley, and two very different attractions wait at the end of it. The first is Olorgesailie, an archaeological site that is famous among scientists for its enormous collection of Stone Age tools. The pioneering Kenyan archaeologists Mary and Louis Leakey were involved in its early excavation in the 1940s, and the site reveals layers of sediment from an ancient lake, with thousands of stone hand axes and the fossilised bones of extinct animals still resting where they were left hundreds of thousands of years ago. A small museum on site displays finds and explains how early humans lived, and guides lead you along covered walkways above the excavated floors. The second stop is Lake Magadi, a vivid soda lake further south whose shallow water is rimmed by white and pink crusts of sodium carbonate, with flamingos picking their way along the shoreline and natural hot springs where water bubbles up from the earth. Together the two stops combine human history and a wild, otherworldly landscape in one trip. It is a day trip for those who enjoy geology, archaeology or photography, and who do not mind an early start and a hot afternoon.
How it works
Day tours leave Nairobi early, drive south-west through Ngong and then down the escarpment, and reach Olorgesailie in the mid-morning. After a guided visit of the site and museum, the journey continues to Lake Magadi for views, birdwatching and a picnic or lunch, before returning to the city in the late afternoon. Entrance fees, lunch and drinks may or may not be included, so check this on booking.
At Olorgesailie
The site is protected by the National Museums of Kenya, and guides explain the layers of earth and the stone tools in a clear, accessible way. You can see hand axes and cleavers that are many hundreds of thousands of years old, still lying in situ, as well as fossils of giant baboons and other species that no longer exist. It is a quiet, thought-provoking place.
At Lake Magadi
The lake is mined for soda ash, so you will see industrial works alongside the natural scenery. The colours of the water change through the day, and flamingos are often present. Temperatures are far higher than in Nairobi, so a hat and plenty of water are essential.
Making the most of it
Wear sun protection and closed shoes, bring binoculars and a camera, and keep time flexible because the road can be slow. This is a day for curious travellers rather than those chasing big game.
Planning notes
The roads to Magadi are surfaced for much of the way, but heavy trucks make the journey slow, so patience helps. There are few places to buy supplies on the road, so carry water and snacks, and fill your fuel tank or confirm that the operator does. Wear light, long-sleeved clothing for the sun, and a scarf is useful for dust. The museum at Olorgesailie is modest, but its displays make the site much easier to understand. Carry cash for small entrance fees and a tip for the site guide.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day guided trip from Nairobi to the Olorgesailie archaeological site and Lake Magadi.
Best time
Early start, with Olorgesailie in the cool of the morning.
How long
About ten hours including the drive.
Tips
Bring a hat, plenty of water and sun protection, and check whether entry fees and lunch are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious travellers who enjoy archaeology, geology and unusual landscapes.
- Families
- Older children interested in history and fossils will enjoy it, but the drive is long and the heat strong.
- Couples
- A distinctive, off-the-beaten-track day with striking scenery for photos.
- Pair with
- The Nairobi National Museum, which tells the wider story of early humans.
- Time needed
- One full day.
Good questions
What is Olorgesailie?+
It is a prehistoric site in the Rift Valley where thousands of stone hand axes and fossils from hundreds of thousands of years ago lie in the sediments of an ancient lake.
Why is Lake Magadi pink and white?+
The lake is rich in sodium carbonate, which forms crusts, and algae and bacteria give the water its colours.
Will I see flamingos?+
Flamingos are often seen at Lake Magadi, though numbers vary with the season and water levels.
Is it very hot?+
The Rift Valley floor is much hotter than Nairobi, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.
How far is it from Nairobi?+
Olorgesailie is around one and a half to two hours south-west, and Lake Magadi is a little further.
