In this article, we will look at a list of the most beautiful waterfalls in and around Nairobi. Kenya is a popular destination for wildlife safaris, and it also has unique landscapes with waterfalls of varying widths and heights for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Waterfalls are also ideal for hikers and nature lovers, thanks to their spectacular hiking trails and waterfalls. Nairobi is home to some of Kenya’s most breathtaking waterfalls. These cascading waterfalls provide a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Here is a list of the best and top waterfalls in Nairobi
List Of Breathtaking Waterfalls Around Nairobi
1. Fourteen Falls, Thika
Just a short drive from Thika, Fourteen Falls is a magnificent waterfall on the Athi River. It is named after the 14 separate waterfalls that can be seen during the rainy season. Simply staring at the rushing waters and listening to the waves is enough to calm anyone’s mind.
The entry fee is about 5 USD, which is very affordable. Furthermore, well-trained guides are readily available to give you a tour of the falls. The Kilimambogo hills form the backdrop, giving you the perfect opportunity to take pictures and stock up on those memories. If you are looking to make your experience wilder, try diving in the waters; there are excellent spots for that, and the experience is simply unrivalled.
Another activity to engage in is boat riding. It is the best way to cruise the waters, although you pay a fee for that too. If you like to snack throughout the day, you’d best carry your snacks and food, seeing that they do not offer them. All in all, the place is well-managed, and service providers are at your disposal; all you have to do is let loose.
2. Oloolua Nature Trail Falls, Karen
Oloolua Nature Trail is situated in the upmarket suburb of Karen. 250 hectares of the indigenous tropical dry Oloolua forest act as the household of the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). To get to the falls from Nairobi city centre, take a bus or drive towards Karen Shopping Centre and then to Oloolua Nature Trail (via Karen Road).
The National Museums of Kenya, the institution currently operating this bio-medical research facility, established the 5-kilometre 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.
3. Chania Falls, Thika
Chania Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kenya. Its proximity to Nairobi makes it a convenient attraction for travellers seeking a short escape from the city. The waterfall is located off the A2 just after Thika town, around an hour from Nairobi. It has a height of about 20 metres and is best viewed from the iconic Blue Post Hotel.
Chania Falls is a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It offers a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Although not as popular as the Fourteen Falls, this is your go-to place if you are looking for a low-key place that is not crowded but gives stunning views. The entrance to the falls is the same one to the Blue Post hotel, and no entrance fee is charged. Be sure to bring a good camera with you; you will need it to capture the beauty of Sheer. Group activities would best thrive here, so tag your friends or family along and create memories. Take nature walks, listen to the chirping birds, have picnics, and simply get lost in the beauty of nature; it is exactly what you need to rejuvenate.
4. Waterfalls Inn Tigoni, Limuru
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 Ksh 450 for adults and Ksh 200 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. Ragia Falls, Lari
Located in Lari, a sub-county of Kiambu County, Ragia is nestled approximately 90 kilometres north of Nairobi. It is accessible from Flyover-Magumu-Njabini road. It borders Kieni forest to the East and Kinangop plateau to the West in Nyandarua County, Kamae Forest to the south and Kinangop forest to the North. The forest is managed by the Kenya Forest Service.
The journey from Nairobi to Lari takes about 2–3 hours. When you see the Sasumua Dam, which provides fresh water to Nairobi residents, you know you have arrived in Ragia. On arrival, you will pay an entrance fee of Ksh 250 and proceed to begin your hike to the waterfalls.
Ragia is considered to be an easy hike. The journey to the waterfalls is an exhilarating experience. After passing through the serene bamboo section, hikers are greeted by the powerful echoes of two iconic waterfalls known as Number 17 and Number 18. The scenery invites contemplation, evoking thoughts of the freedom fighters who once relied on the life-giving water from these majestic falls for their various needs.
The trail is considered moderate, spanning a total distance of 18 kilometres and typically taking around 7 hours to complete. Descending through the forest can be particularly demanding, requiring the utmost caution to avoid any missteps. It is highly recommended to wear sturdy hiking boots with a firm grip to ensure safety and stability. This magnificent waterfall is easily accessible and ideal for swimming.
6. Paradise Lost Falls, Kiambu Road
Paradise Lost is located in Kiambu County, 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. Paradise Lost 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.
7. Karura Waterfalls, Kiambu Road
Karura Waterfalls can be accessed from the Karura Forest Station on Kiambu Road, opposite CID Headquarters and 1 km from Muthaiga Golf Club. Alternatively, one can get to them from the gate on Limuru Road near the Belgium Embassy.
From the Forest Station on Kiambu Road, the walk to Karura Waterfalls is about 4 km long. After walking on motorable dirt roads from the Forest Gate for a couple of kilometres, you’ll encounter a sign pointing to a trail on the right that leads to the Caves.
The trail drops sharply until it reaches Karura River, before levelling off to follow the course of the river. A few metres on, you’ll come upon the Karura Caves. These caves were considered sacred by the local community, with a long history of usage as a place for religious worship. They are also reputed to have been a hideout for the Mau Mau during the fight for independence from the British colonial government.
A kilometre further down the trail is the spectacular 50-foot Karura Waterfalls, with water cascading over three shelves before settling to a gentle flow down the river. Karura Forest also has over 50 km of nature trails, a bamboo forest, and a marshland filled with a wide range of birdlife. They provide the perfect backdrop for nature lovers.
8. Kariri waterfall
Kariri waterfall, located deep within Gatundu North in Kiambu County, leaves visitors with lasting memories of the natural beauty and scenic view. Kariri waterfall and its dam of crystal-clear water, located just a few kilometres from Gituamba township, are a near-perfect combination of natural beauty and successful environmental conservation. Visitors can easily navigate to the natural phenomenon through Gituamba’s highlands.
Those who visit the site are not charged. Visitors can be confident that they will be safe because security guards are always present. There is a small, but well-organized playground, a road, and lights that illuminate it at night. The location also allows fishing enthusiasts to participate in the sport, while swimmers can enjoy taking turns dipping into the cool, refreshing waters.
9. Kimakia Waterfalls
The hiking trail leading to Kimakia Waterfall is located at the boundary of Gatanga in Muranga County with Gatundu North in Kiambu County. The drive to the starting point is scenic, winding through the tea fields of Gatura and Kiarutara. Set in the Southern Aberdares forest, the trail starts from an old fishing camp and leads to the forest full of indigenous trees. The trail is well-covered, providing much-desired shade from the sun. The trail then goes down to a giant mugumo tree before crossing the Chania River and then following the Ragia River to the double-tier waterfall.
The trail is relatively short but very adventurous, with multiple river crossings and walking on an unbeaten trail. A walking stick would be ideal to help you wade across the rivers. The trail takes only 4 hours if you start at the water intake point or 6-7 hours if you start at the fishing camp.
10. Kijabe Waterfalls
Kijabe Hill is located northwest of Nairobi and is part of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. The hike to the waterfalls starts at Kijabe Junction, trekking past people’s homes and farms into the village. After about 3 hours of walking, the trail takes you to the top of the first hill. The descent from this first hill takes another hour, with an additional stretch along the railway line before reaching the hot springs and the tunnel.
The adventure leads you to walk through the dark tunnel, an underground water tunnel that will test your boldness as you try to reach the other end. From the tunnel, the trail goes up to Kiharu and then up to the waterfalls before embarking on a steep ascent back to the start point. The hiking route follows the Kijabe River with a series of stunning waterfalls and takes approximately 8–9 hours to complete the loop.