Namoratunga, Archaeological site near Kalokol, Turkana County, Kenya.
Namoratunga is an archaeological site near Kalokol in Turkana County, northern Kenya, containing 19 basalt pillars arranged in a circular formation. The columns are visible from the road between Lodwar and Kalokol and show careful placement and alignment.
The site was built around 2398 BC and represents one of the earliest astronomical observation points created by ancient communities in East Africa. This early development shows that people in this region already possessed complex knowledge about the stars.
The name means 'people of stone' in the Turkana language, reflecting how local communities see themselves connected to these megalithic structures. These stones hold meaning in the stories and traditions passed down by people living in the region.
The dry season from June to October offers the best conditions for visiting, when the roads are easier to travel and weather remains more stable. Access through Kalokol town is possible, but ask locals for exact directions and current conditions before heading out.
The stones are aligned with specific star systems including Triangulum and Pleiades, suggesting the builders had advanced knowledge of the night sky. This astronomical precision is remarkable for its time and reveals the sophistication of these early cultures.
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