Overview Located just outside Nyahururu town at an elevation of 2,360 meters, Thomson’s Falls is one of Kenya’s most famous waterfalls. It features a stunning 74-meter (243 ft) plume of water plunging down a volcanic cliff on the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which originates from the nearby Aberdare mountain range. The falls are enveloped in a lush, green gorge, and the constant spray of mist nourishes the dense vegetation. The area around the falls provides breathtaking viewpoints and has a cool, highland climate, making it a popular stop for those traveling through Kenya’s central highlands.
Activities The main activity is viewing the magnificent waterfall from the viewpoints at the top of the gorge. For the more adventurous, a steep and often slippery trail leads down to the base of the ravine, offering a powerful, up-close perspective of the falls. The area is excellent for photography and birdwatching, with various species inhabiting the surrounding forest. Visitors can also explore the local curio shops, or take guided nature walks. Upstream from the falls lies one of the highest hippo pools in Kenya, which can be visited to see these semi-aquatic giants.
Did you know? The falls were named by Joseph Thomson, a Scottish geologist and naturalist who was the first European to walk from Mombasa to Lake Victoria in 1883, and he named them after his father.
