Thomson's Falls, on the Ewaso Narok River at the edge of Nyahururu town, drops roughly 74 metres in a single, dramatic cascade — one of the highest and most easily accessible waterfalls anywhere in Kenya's highlands, named after the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson who documented it during his 19th-century expeditions through the region.
Unlike many of Kenya's more remote waterfalls requiring long hikes or guided expeditions, Thomson's Falls sits close enough to the town that a short walk from the main road brings you to viewing points, with a path leading down toward the base of the falls for those wanting a closer, louder vantage point.
Visiting Thomson's Falls
- Paths down to the base can be slippery, particularly after rain — sturdy footwear is worth the effort.
- Nyahururu sits at over 2,300 metres altitude, making this one of the highest towns in Kenya and noticeably cool year-round.
- Local guides and curio stalls operate around the main viewpoints.
- The falls make an easy stop on a route between Nairobi/Naivasha and destinations further north or west.
For a genuinely impressive natural landmark requiring almost no hiking effort, Thomson's Falls is one of the most convenient waterfall stops in the Kenyan highlands.
