Waterfalls in Samburu
Chanler’s (Gotu) Falls: A Stunning Sheet Falls
There are two routes to approach Gotu Falls, formerly known as Chanler’s Falls, named after the explorer, W.A. Chanler: West to east via the Isiolo-Garba Tula Road then northward from Garba Tula through Kurru Barata to the road linking Gotu Falls and Archers Post; or vice-versa if approaching from Archer’s Post. North of Ewaso Nyiro the area is crossed by a road linking Archer’s Post to Merti.
Previously, before the completion of new Gotu Bridge in 2019, the latter, longer route starting at Archer’s Post was more popular, despite its perceived and real insecurities, because it avoided a dicey series of deep gullies near Tumtu and incidences of herders and motorists being swept off the unrailed makeshift old Gotu Bridge, oft-times covered by the overflowing river during the rain season.
It is the new Gotu Bridge that offers wayfarers the safest vantage to view Gotu Falls. South-east of Tumtu Hill the river pours over a ledge of basalt, the water dropping 60 or so feet and almost 50 metres wide in single stunning cascade, thereafter flowing for 3 km betwixt sheets of black lava. It was renamed during Ludwig von Höhnel’s second expedition in East Africa, this time accompanying William Astor Chanler, a wealthy American who wished to explore Lake Rudolf.
On September 18th, 1892, the two set out from the coast along a more northerly passage than that previously traversed with Count Samuel Teleki from 1887. On December 26, 1892, they came upon a waterfall some sixty feet in height on the Ewaso Nyiro River, and named it Chanler’s Falls. The did not however see their treasured waterfalls at its greatest. Generally speaking, Ewaso Nyiro River flows with low water for much of the year, lowest in March and highest around May.
Soon after the rains, the transient Gotu Falls broadens tremendously, creating a smooth, sheet cascade, among the largest of its kind in Kenya. Fairly untravelled, it is at this time impressive, when the water flow is strong, the cascade spread out evenly over more than 50 metres in width, as it descends, appearing as a massive sheet of water, especially stunning when viewed from the front. Gotu Falls flows over relatively smooth, flat rock surfaces, allowing the water to spread out evenly.
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
Samburu County, in northern Kenya, offers stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife. Known for its stunning mountains, hills, remote wilderness, traditional Samburu culture, and less-visited national reserves, the county provides an authentic experience away from the popular safari circuit.
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Explore Destination Nearby Chanler’s (Gotu) Falls
A Guide to Samburu County
A Summa Digest of Samburu
About Samburu Way Back When
50 Destinations in Samburu County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, west then south - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Shaba National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Archer's Post, Chanler’s Falls, Umoja Cultural Village, Nashipa Eco Camp, Lion's Cave Camp, Samburu National Reserve, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Camp, Ewaso Lions, Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu Lodge, Westgate Conservancy, Rhodia Mann Museum, Meibai Conservancy, Mount Ololokwe, Namunyak Community Conservancy, Sarara Camp, Singing Wells, Reteti Sanctuary, Mathews Range, Kitich Camp, Sera Conservancy, Saruni Rhino Camp, Ndoto Mountains, Mlima Tatu, Ngurunit, Ngurunit Rock Pools, Camp Ndotto, Mount Nyiru, Desert Rose, El Barta, Samburu Hills, Baragoi Deanery, Nachola Site, Napong Hills, Losiolo Escarpment, Emuruangogolak, Kirisia Forest, Ngari Hill Lodge, Maralal Safari Lodge, Yale Camp, Maralal Camel Derby, Kenyatta House Maralal, Loroghi Plateau, Engare Narok Sanctuary, Lake Mbaringon
Know More About Samburu County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Samburu is almost always hot! The driest months are January and February. The mean annual temperature is 29oC, with fast blowing winds especially on the lowlands. Rain is temporal and erratic.
Over 80% of Samburu lies within the fragile arid to semi-arid ecological vast block of Kenya. Altitude, excepting the ranges and mountains, varies from 2040 ms to 600 ms asl.