Isimila Iranga Stone Age site Tanzania

Tanzania is well-known for its archaeological sites, some of these sites yielded very important fossils that enlighten us about the origin of mankind. The majority of important sites are located in the north of the country but in the south, some 20km from Iringa (40minutes) is the important Isimila Stone Age site.

In the late 1950s, archaeologists unearthed some of the most significant Stone Age finds ever identified. Most of these finds were tools, estimated to be between 60 000 and 100 000 years old. They also found fossilized bones of mammals; an extinct hippopotamus and something similar to the modern-day giraffe but with a shorter neck.

There is evidence that shows that the area around the Isimila site was a small lake. This would have been a perfect hunting ground for hominids who lived there between 300 000 to 600 000 years ago. The tools found there to confirm this theory. Looking at the site today you might be able to imagine how the land was eroded from a lake to a large canyon. Harder rock types more resistant to erosion have remained, leaving thin rock towers as high as 30m.

How to get to Isimila Iranga Stone Age site

Iringa town is located 490 km from Dar es Salaam city with a bit of endurance for heat and traffic, the site is straightforward to reach by bicycle from Iringa. Via public transport, take an Ifunda or Mafinga dalla-dalla from the Iringa town bus station and ask the driver to drop you at the Isimila junction (Tsh1500), from where it’s a 15-minute walk to the site.

When to visit Isimila Iranga Stone Age site

Morning hours are the best and recommended as the heat in the middle of the day can be brutal so those wanting to get the best experience from the trip should consider making it in the morning.