Waterfalls in Tharaka Nithi
Vivienne Falls: Mount Kenya National Park
Below Lake Michaelson, high above the gorges, is the spectacular but unheralded Vivienne Falls, a natural marvel that’s impressive for its indelible beauty, incredible cascade and as a relic of the extraordinaire adventures of Vivienne de Waterville – the British travel writer and adventurer – after whom the falls was named in the 1930’s. Kenya’s tallest, Vivienne Waterfall, plunging down a whooping great 457M in Mount Kenya’s Georges Valley, is the 5th tallest waterfall in Africa. Gura Falls at 305M and Karuru Falls at 272M in the Aberdares come in at 6 and 8, respectively.
Vivienne Waterville arrived at Mount Kenya National Park on December 25, 1928, aged 28, and she would spend the next two months at Urumandi Hut nearby Nithi Falls, the base from which she explored the mountain highlands. “She had come there to seek solace in nature after an early life marked by epic loss” – Literally Traveller. Vivienne was the only child of Swiss-French naturalist and artist Bernard Perceval de Watteville who had been killed a few years prior by a lion in Congo.
On the slower pace itinerary to Point Batian via Chogoria Route, Vivienne Falls is spotted on Day 3. An early morning start sees you begin your climb from Lake Ellis, wending away on its west side across moorland to a ridge which eventually joins the main Chogoria trail. Hikers catch the views of Vivienne Falls and Gorges Valley as they descend to the most waxed lyrical campsite in the range, at Lake Michaelson. Above the camp are the impressive cliffs of the ‘Temple.’ Exotic birds, including the tacazze sunbird, can be seen close to the camp amongst the bizarre alpine flora. It takes nearly 6 hours of walking from Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson.
Not easily accessible, Vivienne Falls takes about 3 hours (round trip) to explore, most conveniently from Lake Michaelson. It is a relatively short distance but an incredibly treacherous one. The falls is reached by going down two steep drops from Lake Michaelson and across a vertical rock face that leads to the rock pool.
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
Although Tharaka Nithi County is not a prominent touring circuit, it is a beautiful, diverse area known for its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and agricultural economy. Taking after the character of its closely homogenous neighbours around Mount Kenya, Tharaka Nithi, with very good roads, is easy to access and traverse.
You Are Here: Vivienne Falls
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Vivienne Falls
A Guide to Tharaka Nithi County
A Summa Digest of Tharaka Nithi
About Tharaka Nithi Way Back When
35 Destinations in Tharaka Nithi County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Chuka Forest, Tredds Garden, The Hidden Falls, Hidden Treasure Lodge, Nithi Bridge, Weru Tea Factory, Whispers Garden, Pacha Waterfront Resort, PCEA Chogoria, Mount Kenya National Park, Anabas Alpine Lodge, Chogoria Trail, Nithi Falls, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Kierra Ridge, Kierra Viewpoint, Thimbora, Mutunguruni Tree, Inanduru Caves, Kijegge Range, Kibuuka Grand Falls, River Tana, Mumoni Hill Reserve, Mwingi National Reserve, Kajuki Eco Lodge, Marimanti Baobab Lodge, Ikwa Falls, Mutejwa National Reserve, Meru National Park, Elsa's Grave, Ura Gate Festival, Ura Waterfalls
Know More About Tharaka Nithi: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like in T. Nithi.?
Temperatures in the highland areas range between 14oC to 30oC, while those in the low land range between 22oC to 36oC. Rain vary with altitude.
What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.13?
The highest altitude within Tharaka Nithi County is about 5,200 ms at Chuka, Maara, and Igambang’ombe, and the lowest is 600 ms at Tharaka. The entire county is strewn with large masses of hillocks.