Since then, the institution has partnered with the National Museums of Kenya to conduct excavations and geological studies.

Opuka says research into the ways early hominins used the land and responded to environmental changes takes place every year in July and August (Kenya's winter), when weather conditions are more favorable.

"Through collaboration with other private institutions and the United States government, the Smithsonian Institution mobilizes funds to support research work," he adds.

Although many artifacts and faunal remains have been unearthed at the Olorgesailie Basin since 1942, only one hominin remain — a frontal bone — was discovered in situ in 2003, raising questions about where exactly early humans lived.

According to an article published on the Smithsonian Institution's Human Origins Program website, Potts and his team believe they may have lived in the highlands around Mount Olorgesailie, because no hominin remains have been found in lowland sediments.

"The research is ongoing and we may not know what the next big surprise will be," Opuka says. "We have a lot of expectations."

The site is popular with schools and institutions, especially scientists and archaeologists, as well as with people interested in learning about human evolution.

"Our peak season is July and August, when many schools organize student visits for practical learning, as opposed to other months when temperatures are high," he says.