Waterfalls in Nyandarua
Thompson Waterfalls: A Mighty Plunge Falls
104 km from Nyeri town via the B5 Nyeri-Nyahururu Road you reach Nyahururu town, located on the southwestern corner Laikipia County and just north of the Aberdare National Park and Nyandarua County. This proximity to the Aberdare Range and the volcanic foot ridges, which more or less radiate out from the uplift along the Great Rift Valley, makes Nyahururu the highest and coldest area in the county. Shortly before arriving at the main township sits one the fine launches of Laikipia, simply known locally as Ndurumo. More popular as Thompson Falls, it is one of Kenya’s most famous waterfalls, within a valley engulfed by lush greenery.
Creating a dramatic and photogenic landscape, the 74 ms (243 ft) sheer drop over a ledge of the Thomson’s Fall phonolite, cascading with a mighty roar into a deep gorge, is among the most outstanding plunge falls in Kenya, and, perhaps, one of the most spectacular and easily accessible waterfall in Kenya. Mist and rainbows often form at the base, giving it a cinematic essence. A steep trail leads down to the bottom of the falls for a closer view. It is especially worth a visit soon after the rains, in May or November. Thomson’s Fall is named after the region’s first British explorer, geologist, and naturalist Joseph Thomson who arrived in Kenya in 1883.
It occurs along Ewaso Narok River, which collects many tributaries on the way to Rumuruti where it loses its identity in the Ewaso Narok Swamp. A small cover fee, payable via Mpesa, is charged at the entrance. At the site there are good walking trails to the bottom of the falls and a handful of vantage points along a secured paved area. At the plenary are many artisans and trinket vendors, mostly Maasai and Kikuyu, who are great to interact with. Other amenities include free parking, dukas and curio shops. From Ol Joro Orok, Nyahururu is 13 km northerly via the C77 Gilgil-Nyahururu Road that goes over the eastern shoulder of the Rift Valley.
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
Index of Waterfalls Around Kenya
Baringo County - Simot Falls, Kikojo Falls, Kapedo Falls, Bomet County - Tenwek Falls, Iria Maina Falls, Bungoma County - Teremi Falls, Malakisi Falls, Nabuyole Webuye Falls, Mwikhupo Falls, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kessup Falls, Torok Falls, Embu County - Iveche Falls, Karurina Falls, Ndunda Falls, Nthenge Njeru Falls, Nthungu Falls, Paradiso Falls, Isiolo County - Gotu (Chanler's) Falls, Isiolo Falls, Kakamega County - The Isiukhu Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kericho County - Londiani Ruskebe Falls, The Chereres Falls, Kiptui Falls, Kiambu County - Ruaka Falls, Tigoni Hill Falls, Ruai Falls, Mashinani Falls, Karweti Falls, Kirinyaga County - Ruamuthambi Falls, Gatitika Falls, Thiba Falls, Kathiri Falls, The Castle Falls, Kang'ere Falls, Karumandi Falls, Kisii County - Nyamarambe Falls, Kwale County - Sheldrick Falls, Machakos County - Fourteen Falls, Makueni County - Kyanzizi Falls, Ilovoto Falls, Ka Kindui Falls, Meru County - Vivienne Falls, Nithi Gate Falls, Irine (Devil’s Bridge) Falls, Kathita Falls, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Muranga County - Kimakia Falls, Kanunga Falls, Maragua Falls, Manguyo Falls, Nakuru County - Cedar, Makalia Falls, Nandi County - Ngabunat Falls, Chepkiit Falls, Chemase Falls, Tindinyo Falls, Diguna Falls, Nyamira County - Nyamira Falls, Nyabomite Falls, Nyakwana Falls, Nyandarua County - Ragia Falls, Wanjohi Falls, Kenungu Falls, Ndaragwa Falls, The Thompson Falls, Nyeri County - Riakiania Falls, Kahuru Falls, Ragati Falls, Karuru Falls, Chania Falls, Gura Falls, Zaina Falls, Taita Taveta County - Kilangarenyi Falls, Dembwa Falls, The Lugard's Falls, Tana River County - Adamson's Falls, Tharaka Nithi County - Kibuuka Falls, Ikwa Falls, Hidden Falls, Ura Falls, Uasin Gishu County - Koromosho Falls, Kesses Falls, Two Rivers Falls, Kapsurur Falls, West Pokot County - Tartar Falls, Loumba Falls, Wish Yilat
Greatly positioned as an agrarian hub, with increased investment in infrastructure, Nyandarua County is also famous for its scenic landscapes and montane climate. Named after the Aberdare Ranges, with an extensive presence, Nyandarua grew as an agribusiness locale but is well making a name for itself as an alpine escape.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Thompson Waterfalls
A Guide to Nyandarua County
A Summa Digest of Nyandarua
About Nyandarua Way Back When
45 Destinations in Nyandarua County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Matches Dam, Gitwe Viewpoint, Mawingu Camp Kenya, Heni Viewpoint, Kijabe Hills, Kinangop Step, Ragia Forest Trail, Sasumua Dam, Sharpe's Longclaw Nature Reserve, Elmer Resort & Spa, Cheese House, Njabini, Elephant Hill, Aberdare Range, Kinangop Plateau, Mount Kipipiri, Mount Kipipiri Golf & Resort, Wanjohi Valley (Happy Valley), Davida Getaway, Wanjohi Falls, Kenungu Falls, Buxton House, Rurimeria Forest Trail, Mount Satima, Table Mountain, Dragon’s Teeth, Cedar Retreat (Log Cabin), Ndaragwa Falls, Ndaragwa Forest, Maverick Camp Rondavels & Farmstay, Malewa Bundu Camp, Plovers Eco Camp, Dundori Forest, Lake Ol Bolossat, Samawati Conservancy, Olrok Farm House, Laikipia Plateau, Tafaria Castle & Center for Arts, The Fairway Residence, Carnegie House (Ngobit Girls School), Knessiah Jewish Synagogue, Thompson Falls
Know More About Nyandarua County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Thanks to its high altitude, all of Nyandarua experiences pleasant to low temperatures. Highest temperatures are in the month of December that bears an average temperature of 25oC: Lowest in July, 14oC.
To the east, the Aberdare Range traverses its border with Nyeri County. End to end, the Aberdare Range, with vast presence in Nyandarua is a whooping great 565 km.