Beach I Safari I Nature I Scenery I Living In I Outdoor I Unusual I Cultural I Arts I History I Heritage I Sports

Songhor Site

Archaeological Sites in Nandi

Songhor Prehistoric Site: A Miocene Flashback

This is located about 14 km northeast of the Chemelil to Makutano roundabout along C37 Chemelil-Kopere Road, passing Chemelil Sugar Factory and Kopere-Songhor Road, taking a right turnoff at Kopere Shopping Centre. The 78-acres Songhor Pre-historic Site is found at the foot of Nyando Escarpment, and it was gazetted in 1982 as a National Monument owing to its importance in the study of the Miocene Era, 19 Mya. The hominids excavated here point to the existence of man and a variety of animals thriving in this area during the antiquated past.

The evidence also indicates that the ape-like-man proconsul Africanus lived at Songhor. Although there is very little to separate this site from its surrounding grassy landscape, apart from a small timber-built research base that offers little for travellers, Songhor Site is still an active research base frequented by experts, anthropologists and paleontologists in particular studying the Miocene Era. It is situated 50 km east of Kisumu City via C34 Mamboleo-Miwani-Chemelil Road.


Kenya is known for its significant archaeological findings related to human origins. the Rift Valley region, at sites like Koobi Fora and Olorgesailie, has yielded fossils and artifacts that provide crucial evidence of early hominins, dated millennias. Along the coast, too, archaeology reveals the history of the Swahili civilization.


outlook

Beyond athletics, famously known as the heartland of Kenyan long-distance running, Nandi County is a region of stunning highland scenery, rich agricultural land, and deep cultural heritage. The county is characterized by highland terrain, with altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 meters asl. Nandi Escarpment forms a dramatic western boundary, dropping down to the Kavirondo Gulf I Lake Victoria.

You Are Here: Songhor Prehistoric Site

Where to Next?

Explore Destinations Nearby Songhor Prehistoric Site


Nandi County has a fine and moderate warm climate year long with no cold and hot extremes. Nandi’s climate is influenced by both altitude and geography. Most areas experience temperatures of between 18o C and 25o C.