- Location: Sibyloy National Park (eastern shore of Lake Turkana)
On the northern coast of Lake Turkana in Kenya is a kind of archaeological site of Koobi-Fora, which is a vast territory for research by archaeologists. In the area of this monument live the nomadic peoples of Gabra. Koobi-Fora is the place of discovery of a huge collection of various types of fossils with remains of organisms. The most valuable fossil exhibits, found here by archaeologists, were transferred to the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi .
Every year the archaeological zone is visited by a huge number of tourists, excavations are being conducted by experienced and novice researchers.
Unique finds
On the territory of Koobi-Fora, the most ancient remains of hominids are found, of which there are more than 160 individuals. The best-known find is the well-preserved "Skull 1470" to this day. In 1972, the paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey, using special tools, discovered this skull, which indicates the existence of humanoid monkeys with a large brain in the area of East Africa. Many anthropologists believe that the "Skull 1470" belongs to representatives of the genus Homo, most likely to the skilful man, who made tools Olduvai culture more than 2 million years ago.
Another valuable artifact is the remains of a person erect with his quite sophisticated Olduvai artifacts. Anthropologists have established that the age of this exhibit is about 1.6 million years.
The new artifacts found on the territory of Koobi-Fora by Louis and Miwa Leakey confirm that about 2 million years ago there lived another species of Homo, which differed from the man of skill and the man of Rudolph.
How to get to Koobi-Fora?
It's not so easy to get into the archaeological zone. First you need to get to Marsabit , to this city in the northern part of Kenya is a good road from Nairobi. Then to overcome another 200 miles already on a bad road - first drive through the solonchak desert, then cross the mountain plateau. Such a journey will withstand only very strong cars. If possible, it is better to rent a small truck or Land Rover.
However, the best way to get to Koobi-Fauna by charter flight on a small plane. Full information can be obtained from the organizers of the safari or local tour operators.
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