A hand axe from Olorgesailie showcases stone toolmaking skills of early humans.[Photo by Zhang Mingxiao/For China Daily]
Bringing the story to life
Danson Taris, an Olorgesailie native who has worked as a tour guide at the site for the past seven years, considers himself fortunate to be able to bring the story of human evolution — something he first learned about in school — to life.
"It has been an interesting experience, learning from scientists and professors who come to do research from the site. I have also expanded my network of friends," he said.
Although Taris was unable to pursue higher education after high school, he said that securing a job at the site has been life-changing.
In addition to ancient remains and interacting with the environment once inhabited by early hominins, visitors to Olorgesailie can participate in activities like mountain hiking, baboon watching, and visiting nearby Lake Magadi, 45 kilometers away.
The site partners with the Olorgesailie Conservancy to facilitate mountain hiking.
Climbing Mount Olorgesailie, which rises to a height of 1,760 meters, takes about three hours up and another three down. Best begun at 5 or 6 am to avoid the heat, the hike involves navigating rocky trails and thorny bushes.
According to the National Museums of Kenya, the mountain is named after a Maasai elder who used it as a place for meditation and meetings with village elders.
There is a campsite, but visitors need to bring their own camping equipment. Firewood can be purchased from Maasai women, who also sell beaded necklaces.
There are also eight round, thatched self-service huts- called bandas in East Africa — for those who prefer not to camp. Four have twin beds, while the other four have single beds.
Just a kilometer from the site, visitors can watch baboons gathering for the night at a "baboon camp" at around 5 or 6 pm. It is also an excellent spot for birdwatching.
