The snake sanctuary.
There is more to Fort Ternan than its ancient story. Discover the museum’s snake sanctuary and ask the team about current displays and visiting arrangements.
Discover the sanctuary →FORT TERNAN · KERICHO · KENYA
A small place.
A 14-million-year
story.
Welcome to Fort Ternan Museum and Prehistoric Site. Discover the ancient ape, the people and the landscape that put these Kenyan hills on the scientific map.
KENYAPITHECUS WICKERIMiocene origins, lasting curiosity.
View from Glamp Kenya · not museum grounds
BIG QUESTIONS. A LOCAL BEGINNING.
The past is closer
than you think.
In the countryside of western Kenya, Fort Ternan holds a remarkable chapter in the story of ancient life. Its fossil deposits preserve evidence from the Miocene, long before modern humans.
At the heart of the story is Kenyapithecus wickeri, an extinct ape known from this site. A visit begins with a place—and opens up questions about a much larger world.
Meet the discoveryPAST AND PRESENT, SIDE BY SIDE
A living world
to discover.
Look a little closer.
Listen for birds, notice the patterns of insects and explore the wider landscape with curiosity and care.
Explore the natural world →Make a discovery.
Try a short fossil quiz, tick off a discovery checklist and take a question home. Small activities for a memorable visit.
Explore & learn →≈14MILLION YEARS
A WINDOW INTO THE MIOCENE
Not a modern human.
An extraordinary ancient ape.
Discover what the fossils tell us—and why the story of evolution continues to be studied.
The science behind the storyMAKE ROOM FOR DISCOVERY
Your visit starts here.
Find your way
Find the museum in the Fort Ternan area of Kericho County. Check the final approach before setting off.
Map & directionsPlan ahead
See the published admission categories, visiting guidance and general NMK enquiry contacts.
Fees & visiting detailsBring your curiosity
Learn about the fossil finders, look closely at the landscape and leave its ancient evidence in place.
The people behind the finds