Irine Falls

Waterfalls in Meru

Irine (Devil’s Bridge) Falls: Stunner Plunge Falls

End to end the B6 Embu-Meru Road, leaving the A2 Nairobi-Nanyuki-Moyale Road at Makutano and rejoining it at Subuiga – halfway between Nanyuki and Isiolo – is an impressive road, as good, if not better than the more popular B5 Nyeri-Nyahururu Road, offering highland landscapes, stunning viewpoints and well-maintained infrastructure. The B6 travels halfway around Mount Kenya in Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties, respectively. It is this ample presence of the mountain and its associated geology that makes it a treat for the motorist. Beyond Chuka, 90 km from Makutano, the valley below the foot slopes of Mount Kenya forms a resplendent landscape, dipping gradually to the horizon. 

This whooper on the left hand side along the B6 Embu-Meru Road shortly after negotiating the infamous sharp corner at Ngonyi and shortly before arriving at Gikumeme Market. It is not signposted but can be sighted as you drive by. Irine Falls is accessed by means of a quick but steep pathway often with a rough mud caked underfoot to the base. It occurs on River Riiji that flows deep underneath the B6 Road, earning this road section, and sometimes the falls itself, the epithet of Devil’s Bridge. Locally known as the Ndurumo-ya-Irine, it spectacularly drops near perfect vertical from a great height of about 300 feet, without touching the cliff on the bottow half, turning to a misty gash nigh over the rock pool below.

About 30 meters from the falls is a huge boulder upon which the water has cut through as River Riiji proceeds on its run. This rock is traditionally known as the “uroro-bwa-nkoma” or “ndaracha-ya-nkoma” also means devil’s bridge. In the olden days, the place was a salient source of red and white ochre, or nondoo in Kimeru language, used by various communities for decorating their bodies. This was also peculiarly used by women to draw a line on their heads when hosting community parties. In context of its topographic profile, the area around Nkubu marks the lowermost flows of Mount Kenya and Devil’s Falls occurs over one of the rarely exposed phonolites building up to a thickness of more than a 110 feet.


Touring waterfalls in Kenya offers a refreshing and adventurous experience, showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty. Each waterfall – many still little known – provides a unique and memorable experience, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply the opportunity to connect with nature


Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.

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The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively. 

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