In this article, we will share a list of breathtaking waterfalls in Kenya. Waterfalls make for fascinating viewing as well as breathtaking photography. Kenya is dotted with spectacular waterfalls, ranging from the ferocious to the mesmerizing. The waterfalls are at their scenic best during rainy seasons.
Here are Kenya’s breathtaking waterfalls.
List Of Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Kenya
1. Thomson Falls, Nyahururu
Thomson’s Falls also referred to as Thomson Falls or Nyahururu Falls is a 74 metres waterfall on the Ewaso Ngiro river in Laikipia County, a few kilometres from Lake Ol Bolossat, which drains from the Aberdare Ranges. It is situated 3 kilometres from Nyahururu town and is 4 hour’s drive from Nairobi.
Enclosed in riparian vegetation on the slopes of the ranges, the breathtaking falls and the vapour created are a wonder. Tourists can view the falls from above and there is a trail down the bottom of the ravine. Hiking down to the river provides the best views of the waterfall. As you hike down, be cautious of the walkway because it is quite steep. Always bring comfortable hiking shoes and a warm sweater with you because it gets cold as you hike down. Upstream from the falls is one of the highest hippo pools in Kenya. The falls appeared in the TV movie, The Man in The Brown Suit, the movie was in theatres around 1988.
The falls draw visitors from all over the world. Among the activities available here are the colourful birds, the nature trail to the base of the falls, and the traditional dancers by the falls. The traditional dancers at the entrance will happily pose for photographs with visitors for a fee. They also provide information and keep visitors entertained. Visitors include school children, environmental and history enthusiasts, and artists who come to film videos of the scenic view.
2. Karuru Falls, Aberdares
The tallest waterfall in Kenya, plunging 273 metres below. It is divided into three tiers: first tier (117 metres), second tier (26 metres), and third tier (130 metres). The waterfall is located deep within the Aberdare National Park. At an elevation of 2,971 metres, the falls are surrounded by tall green indigenous trees, making it one of the most unique in the country for providing an incredible safari. The first tier is visible from the top, while the rest can be seen from above or across a wide valley.
3. Gura Falls, Aberdares
Gura Falls is also part of the Aberdare National Park. The waterfall is hidden deep in the forest, but it can be seen from the Karuru Falls observation point. Gura Falls are 2,707 metres above sea level. The falls have a drop of 302 metres and are located 1.12 kilometres from Karuru Falls. The falls are surrounded by the lush Aberdare forest. Gura, like Karuru Falls, has three vertical leaps before the water reaches the pool below. Gura Falls is located near Gatheru and Kiambogo-ini hills and is formed by the Tana River, Kenya’s longest river. Hikers can extend their adventure by trekking along the Gura River to the waterfall’s base and experiencing the breathtaking natural attraction.
4. Tigoni Falls, Waterfall Inn Tigoni
Waterfalls Inn Tigoni picnic site is located in Tigoni, Limuru, Kiambu County. Tigoni is located 2,500 metres above sea level in a rural highland setting, approximately 45 minutes from Nairobi’s CBD. Tigoni is well-known for its picturesque rolling landscapes and carpet-like tea plantations. The picnic area is located on a hill with views of the Nairobi skyline and the Limuru Highlands. The entry fee is Sh450 for adults and Sh200 for children. If you bring your drinks, you will have to pay corkage fees.
The walk to the waterfall is relaxing. The waterfall is about a 5-minute walk down the hill. The soothing sounds of chirping birds and the magical sound of flowing water from a distance make it therapeutic. Tall trees line the entire path to the waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green vegetation. There are also a few wooden benches and dead stumps near the waterfall. Around the facility, there are nice picnic areas where people can sit and eat while watching the Nairobi skyline from a distance.
5. Sheldrick Falls, Shimba Hills
The falls, which are deep within the Shimba Hills National Reserve, have an impressive 21-meter drop of fresh spring water with a stunning natural plunge pool at the bottom. Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to forest areas, grasslands, and an abundance of wildlife such as elephants and sable antelope. To visit the waterfall, head to Shimba Hills National Reserve and take a pleasant 2-hour walk in the forest. The magnificent Sheldricks Falls is Kenya’s only waterfall, making it a popular tourist destination for both locals and international visitors. After a trail or walk in the reserve, a dip or shower in the cool, clean waters of this stunning waterfall is quite refreshing. As you make your way down to the pool, you will be able to see the amazing lianas and greenery that adorn it, as well as fauna and beautiful flowers.
6. Ngare Ndare Falls, Timau
Ngare Ndare is a lush forest and a hidden gem in Kenya’s northern region. The forest, in addition to several beautiful waterfalls, has many indigenous trees, a hiking trail, a canopy walk, and plenty of wildlife. Visitors to Ngare Ndare can hike, track elephants, jump into pools from cliffs, or take a peaceful walk along the forest’s 500-meter canopy walkway in addition to chasing waterfalls and swimming.
Since the forest is located in a remote place, a solo trip can be confusing and costly. We, therefore, recommend joining this affordable experience with a local guide. Entry fees are Ksh 2,000 per day.
7. Fourteen Falls, Kilimambogo
The falls are 14 consecutive falls, 27 metres deep, and form on the Athi River, as the name implies. The waterfall’s height is 27 metres, providing visitors with a breathtaking view. During the rainy season, the 14 consecutive falls combine to form a spectacular and roaring waterfall. The breathtaking scenery can be found in Thika, about 65 kilometres northeast of Nairobi on the Thika-Garissa Road, which leads to the Makutano junction. Boating, fishing, photography, plant identification, and bird watching are among the activities available at this attraction. During the rainy season, these falls join to form a massive water torrent with an incredible roaring sound effect.
8. Oloolua Nature Trail Falls, Nairobi
Oloolua Nature Trail is situated in the upmarket suburb of Karen 250 hectares of the indigenous tropical dry Oloolua forest acts as the household of the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). The National Museums of Kenya is the institution currently this bio-medical research facility, established the 5km long Oloolua Nature Trail amid this forest, providing an oasis of tranquillity for city residents with a desire to escape the city hustle and bustle.
Oloolua Nature Trail is one of the best places in Kenya for picnics, walking, camping, and hiking. It has a tranquil trail through tall indigenous trees, a cave, and a stream that feeds one of the best waterfalls in Nairobi. If you enjoy nature and peaceful surroundings, make your way to Oloolua Nature Trail. You can stroll, jog, hike, or simply relax next to the stunning waterfall.
9. Chania Falls, Thika
Chania Falls is one of Kenya’s most stunning waterfalls. Its proximity to Nairobi makes it an appealing destination for visitors looking for a quick break from the city. The waterfall is about an hour from Nairobi, off the A2 just after Thika town. It stands approximately 20 metres tall and is best seen from the iconic Blue Post Hotel. Chania falls is a breathtaking birding site, picnic, camping, and retreat site.
10. Zaina Falls, Nyeri
The waterfall is located on the outskirts of the Aberdare Forest and provides visitors with an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience. Zania Falls is one of Kenya’s most beautiful and underappreciated waterfalls. It drops about 30 metres below and is swimmable during the dry season. If you’re visiting Zaina Falls and wondering where to eat and sleep, The Trout Valley is less than 3 kilometres away. You can eat delicious meals like fried trout with ugali at their restaurant and camp the night away on their peaceful riverside grounds. There’s also a nice pitch near the waterfall. It is managed by Kenya Forest Service wardens, who also provide guide services to the falls.
11. Ragia Falls, Lari
Ragia Falls, Kenya’s most beautiful waterfall, is accessible via a moderate hike along the Ragia Forest trail. This magnificent waterfall is easy to reach and ideal for swimming. Aside from the waterfalls, Ragia is a hiker’s dream. Beautiful scenery, dense bamboo forests, elephant trails, and a cave used by the Mau Mau freedom fighters during the war for independence are all part of the experience.
12. Lugard Falls, Tsavo East National Park
The Lugard Falls, named after Britain’s first proconsul in East Africa, Captain Lugard, are rapids where the Galana River disappears into a rocky gorge so narrow at one point that standing astride the cleft with the falls below is impossible. The falls are located in Tsavo East National Park and offer a stunning landscape of white, light grey, and pink multicoloured rocks carved by the water over centuries to form incredible shapes. During the rainy seasons, the rapids turn to ravage floods, and the waterfalls’ sight and roaring sound leave tourists bewildered.
Visitors can park near the falls and either climb around the eroded rocks or walk down the river to see the rapids. The falls cascade into a large pool below, where giant crocodiles rest on sandbanks. A crocodile point, less than a kilometre away, is heavily populated by crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and buffalos.
13. Chepkiit Waterfall, Eldoret
Chepkiit waterfall on the Kipkaren river is truly a sight to behold. Having spectacular gushing water in all its glory. Chepkiit waterfall is a breathtaking experience. You can view the waterfall from different angles- side, upstream and downstream. One thing you should know (the view) is not for the faint-hearted.
14. Paradise Lost Falls, Kiambu
Paradise Lost is located in Kiambu County in Kenya, 14 kilometres from Nairobi, about a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Paradise Lost is among the few places close to the city that offer a variety of attractions. It is sandwiched by coffee farms. The park is on a 54-acre piece of land and can host up to 2,000 people and 400 cars.
Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the natural waterfalls and the dam as boats crisscross the water. The trail is exciting for nature lovers because it allows them to explore both indigenous and exotic trees.
15. Adamson’s Falls, Meru National Park
Adamson’s Falls is a rough water region on the Tana River that runs through Meru National Park. The falls were named after the famous game warden George Adamson and his wife, Joy, who are credited with raising the famous Elsa from a cub to a full-grown lioness. The scenic falls are a must-see on any park tour.
Other waterfalls located in different parts of the country include;
- Nithi Falls, Mount Kenya
- Rapids Waterfall, Sagana
- Makalia Falls, Lake Nakuru National Park
- Torok Falls, Elgeyo Marakwet
- Kapedo Hot Waterfalls
- Nabuyole Falls
- Kamweti Waterfalls
