10 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Kenya

Kenya is home to some amazing waterfalls tucked away in its diverse landscapes. These waterfalls are like hidden gems, waiting for nature lovers to discover. They offer a peaceful and refreshing retreat, whether you're an adventure seeker or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Each waterfall has its unique charm, making them special features of Kenya's natural beauty.

Here is a list of the 10 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Kenya:

1. Karuru Falls:

Karuru Falls, located deep within Aberdare National Park, is Kenya's tallest waterfall, standing at around 273 meters in height. It has three tiers, but the first one is the most accessible and impressive.

You can join a local group tour from Matubio West Gate for a hike to the falls. It's a must-see attraction in Kenya, and you can stay in Nyeri or Nairobi, just a few hours away, with various accommodation options.

Location: Aberdare National Park
How to Reach: To reach Karuru Falls, it's a 170-kilometer drive from Nairobi, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours by road. You'll pass through Nyeri Town to Aberdare National Park's Matubio West Gate. From there, it's about a 7-kilometer hike to the falls, which usually takes 2-3 hours.

2. Ngare Ndare Falls:

Hidden in Ngare Ndare Forest in northern Kenya, the Ngare Ndare Falls are a serene gem. The forest teems with indigenous trees, wildlife, and canopy walks, and the falls, sourced from Mount Kenya, create inviting pools for a cool swim. You can also hike, track elephants, and enjoy cliff diving in this natural haven. A forest hike leads to these lovely falls, with wildlife sightings and a canopy walk along the way.

Location: Ngare Ndare Forest
How to Reach: Ngare Ndare Falls is a 220-kilometer drive from Nairobi, taking about 4.5 to 5 hours by car. Head towards Timau and follow the signs to Ngare Ndare Forest. From there, it's a 6-kilometer hike, typically taking 2-3 hours.

3. Thomson Falls:

Nestled in central Kenya near Nyahururu, Thomson Falls is a serene and beautiful natural wonder. These 74-meter falls are a top attraction, allowing you to walk to their base and take in the stunning scenery. You can also take photos with traditional Kikuyu dancers and explore a nearby market for souvenirs.

Location: Near Nyahururu, Central Kenya
How to Reach: Thomson Falls is approximately 170 kilometres from Nairobi, which is a 3.5 to 4-hour drive by road. Head through the Nakuru and Nyahururu towns to reach the falls. From the viewpoint, it's just a short 0.5-kilometer walk, taking 15-30 minutes.

4. Zaina Falls:

Located in Kenya's serene Nyeri region, Zaina Falls is a hidden natural gem. Zaina Falls is situated near Aberdare Forest, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience. These falls are approximately 30 meters high, and you can swim in them during the dry season.

Location: Nyeri, Central Kenya
How to Reach: Zaina Falls is about 160 kilometres from Nairobi, a 3.5-hour drive by car. Drive from Nairobi to Nyeri, and then a short trip to Zaina Falls. It's a brief 1-2 kilometre hike from Aberdare Forest, taking 30 minutes to 1 hour.

5. Gura Falls:

Gura Falls, situated in Kenya's Aberdare National Park, is a hidden gem that showcases the untouched beauty of the Aberdare Range. Joining a hiking trip from Nairobi with local groups is a convenient way to access Gura Falls, and they can even customize tours to suit your preferences.

Keep in mind that there are no accommodations or restaurants nearby, but you can plan a day trip from Nairobi, which offers plenty of lodging and dining options.

Location: Aberdare National Park
How to Reach: Gura Falls in Aberdares is roughly 170 kilometres from Nairobi, accessible by a 3.5 to 4-hour car journey. Drive to Aberdare National Park and hike about 5 kilometres from the park's entrance to the falls, taking around 2-3 hours.

6. Sheldrick Falls:

Tucked in Kenya's Shimba Hills, Sheldrick Falls is a natural wonder. It's a serene 21-meter-high waterfall found in Shimba Hills National Reserve.

Shimba Hills Reserve is a diverse wildlife area, and you can explore it with a 2-hour forest walk from the reserve or join a tour from Diani or Mombasa. Diani Beach offers great places to stay for visitors to Sheldrick Falls.

Location: Shimba Hills National Reserve
How to Reach: For Sheldrick Falls, it's a long 8-hour road trip covering about 480 kilometres from Nairobi. Head to Shimba Hills National Reserve or join a tour from Diani or Mombasa. The falls require a 5-kilometer hike, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.

7. Oloolua Nature Trail Falls:

Nestled in Nairobi's Oloolua Nature Trail, these falls offer a serene escape. Oloolua Nature Trail is a versatile spot for picnics, walking, camping, and hiking, featuring a peaceful trail, a cave, and a stream that feeds one of Nairobi's finest waterfalls.

Location: Oloolua Nature Trail, Nairobi
How to Reach: Oloolua Nature Trail Falls is just 20 kilometres from Nairobi City Center, taking around 30 to 45 minutes by car or bus. Drive or take a bus to Karen Shopping Center and follow Karen Road to the trail. The falls are a 1-kilometer hike from the trail's entrance, taking about 15-30 minutes on foot.

8. Ragia Falls:

Ragia Falls is Kenya's most beautiful waterfall, and you can easily reach it with a moderate hike along the Ragia Forest trail. It's perfect for a refreshing swim. Besides the falls, Ragia is a hiker's dream, with lovely landscapes, dense bamboo forests, elephant paths, and a historic cave used by Mau Mau freedom fighters during Kenya's fight for independence. To visit Ragia Falls and explore the area, you can join a day tour organized by local hiking companies.

Location: Lari
How to Reach: Ragia Falls in Lari is about 40 kilometres from Nairobi, a 1.5-hour drive. Head towards Lari from Nairobi, and follow signs to Ragia Falls. The falls are approximately 1.5 kilometres from the trailhead, with a hike taking about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

9. Chania Falls:

Chania Falls is a serene waterfall nestled in the Thika region of Kenya. It's an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and explorers. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting. Accessing Chania Falls is convenient, with well-maintained hiking trails that guide you through picturesque landscapes, making it a delightful day trip for outdoor lovers.

Location: Thika
How to Reach: To reach Chania Falls, drive approximately 45 kilometres from Nairobi, taking about 1.5 hours. Head towards Thika from Nairobi, then follow signs to Chania Falls. Once you arrive, a short 2-kilometer hike will take you to the falls, typically lasting about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

10. Fourteen Falls:

Fourteen Falls, near Kilimambogo, showcases a series of 14 waterfalls along the Athi River. During the rainy season, they merge into a spectacular 27-meter-high waterfall. Just 65 kilometres from Nairobi, this natural wonder is easily accessible, and you can explore it through marked paths. For hiking enthusiasts, combining a visit to Fourteen Falls with a trek up the nearby Mount Kilimbambogo trail makes for an exciting outdoor adventure.

Location: Kilimambogo
How to Reach: Fourteen Falls in Kilimambogo is roughly 70 kilometres from Nairobi, and the journey by road takes about 2 hours. Head to Kilimambogo from Nairobi, then follow signs to the falls. Fourteen Falls are roughly 2 kilometres from the viewing area, and the hike typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Additional Waterfalls:

Many more stunning waterfalls in Kenya are worth exploring. To name a few more, here are 10 additional waterfalls in Kenya that you can explore.

1. Kipkaren River Falls (Kakamega Forest)
2. River Ndarugu Waterfall (Nyahururu)
3. Sosiani River Waterfall (Eldoret)
4. Thika River Waterfall (Thika)
5. Chebloch Gorge Falls (Bomet)
6. Kerio Valley Waterfall (Kerio Valley)
7. Loita Hills Waterfall (Loita Hills)
8. Kaptagat Falls (Kaptagat)
9. Naro Moru Falls (Naro Moru)
10. Bogoria Hot Springs Waterfall (Lake Bogoria National Reserve)

Kenya's waterfalls are a must-see for nature enthusiasts. From the towering Karuru Falls to the serene Oloolua Nature Trail Falls, each waterfall offers a unique experience. Whether you enjoy hiking or prefer a scenic drive, Kenya's diverse landscapes have something for everyone. These hidden gems promise a tranquil escape into nature and a chance to enjoy Kenya's beautiful scenery.