Lomekwi
Archaeological Site Pleistocene archaeological site with early stone tools
An archaeological locality in Turkana County, Kenya, where early stone tools (the Lomekwian industry) were found. Researchers and archaeology-minded visitors study the site and surrounding rangeland.
Lomekwi is an archaeological site on the western flank of Lake Turkana in Turkana County, Kenya, noted for early stone tool evidence. Fieldwork at the locality recovered artifacts that have been dated to around 3.3 million years ago.
The assemblage, often referenced under the site name Lomekwi 3, consists of large knapped and battering stones that predate the Oldowan toolkit and have important implications for the origin of stone tool manufacture. Publication of the finds followed excavation and dating work carried out after discoveries in 2011.
The site lies within the broad Lake Turkana basin, an area rich in hominin fossils and paleoanthropological research. Lomekwi is accessed via field expeditions from regional bases in Turkana County and forms part of the region’s significant archaeological record.
- Age: Stone tools recovered at the site have been dated to roughly 3.3 million years ago, making them older than the previously recognized earliest Oldowan tools.
- Scientific significance: Discovery of the assemblage was reported in scientific literature after fieldwork conducted in 2011 and subsequent analysis; the finds are central to debates on early tool manufacture.
What to See #
- Lomekwi 3 site: The archaeological locality where an assemblage of stone tools dated to about 3.3 million years ago was found, altering understanding of early hominin technology.
Tips for Visiting Lomekwi #
- Lomekwi is a remote archaeological locality in Turkana County - arrange any visit through a reputable research institution or a locally based guide from Lodwar to ensure proper permits and safe logistics.
- Plan travel in the dry season for more reliable road access and coordinate accommodation and transport well in advance; the site is not served by tourist infrastructure.
Best Time to Visit Lomekwi #
Plan visits during the drier months (roughly June-September and January-February) when roads and access are generally easier.
Weather & Climate near Lomekwi #
Lomekwi's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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April
April is hot, feeling like 32°C. The wettest month with 54 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 29°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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