Lomekwi, Kenya: Visitor Guide

Lomekwi at a Glance

About Lomekwi

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.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lomekwi

Plan visits during the drier months (roughly June-September and January-February) when roads and access are generally easier.

Drier months (more accessible)

June-September and January-February · 20-35°C

Hot and dry conditions that make travel and access easier on largely unpaved routes in the Turkana region.

Rainy periods

March-May and October-December · 25-40°C

Heavier rains can make tracks impassable and reduce accessibility to remote sites.

Weather & Climate near Lomekwi

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 63 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

JanuaryFebruaryJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

40°

Warmest Month

16°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Excellent	23° - 37°	30°	10 mm	mostly sunny	43%	2.4 m/s	2.5 extreme	11.8h
February	Excellent	24° - 38°	31°	13 mm	mostly sunny	41%	2.4 m/s	2.7 extreme	11.9h
March	Excellent	25° - 37°	32°	36 mm	some cloud	48%	2.5 m/s	2.7 extreme	12.0h
April	Very Good	24° - 35°	32°	54 mm	partly cloudy	60%	2.0 m/s	2.5 extreme	12.1h
May	Excellent	24° - 36°	32°	30 mm	some cloud	60%	2.0 m/s	2.5 extreme	12.2h
June	Excellent	23° - 36°	31°	6 mm	mostly sunny	55%	1.7 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.2h
July	Excellent	23° - 35°	30°	14 mm	mostly sunny	52%	2.1 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.2h
August	Excellent	22° - 35°	29°	5 mm	mostly sunny	49%	2.3 m/s	2.5 extreme	12.1h
September	Excellent	23° - 36°	30°	3 mm	mostly sunny	46%	2.4 m/s	2.6 extreme	12.0h
October	Excellent	23° - 36°	31°	9 mm	some cloud	51%	2.3 m/s	2.5 extreme	11.9h
November	Excellent	23° - 36°	32°	40 mm	some cloud	57%	1.8 m/s	2.3 extreme	11.8h
December	Excellent	23° - 37°	30°	19 mm	mostly sunny	50%	2.1 m/s	2.3 extreme	11.8h