Hyrax Hill- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Hyrax Hill, located just outside Nakuru in Kenya's Rift Valley, is one of the country's most extensively studied archaeological sites, showcasing over 5,000 years of human history. First excavated by Dr. Mary Leakey in 1937, the site revealed layers of Late Stone Age and Iron Age occupation, including mass burials, stone enclosures, and domestic structures. Its name derives from the rock hyraxes that once inhabited the hill's crevices. The discovery of artifacts and burial remains by Mrs. Selfe, the former landowner, prompted decades of archaeological work that led to the hill's designation as a national monument in 1945. The site comprises two major excavation areas: Site I, associated with Neolithic burials and later Iron Age remains, and Site II, linked to the Sirikwa people, a pastoral Iron Age community. Ongoing research has revealed evidence of transitions from foraging to food production, with a strong emphasis on early pastoralism in Kenya's central highlands. The archaeological finds include stone bowls, pottery, and burial goods, providing crucial insights into cultural and technological shifts over millennia. Today, Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum is managed by the National Museums of Kenya. Housed in a former colonial farmhouse, the museum features galleries dedicated to archaeology, ethnography, and natural history. Visitors can explore on-site excavation areas and learn about the broader context of East African prehistory. The museum serves as both a cultural heritage site and a center for public education, drawing interest from researchers, students, and travelers interested in the region's deep past.