Thomson's Falls at Nyahururu
Thomson Falls plunge over a dark rock face into a green gorge on the edge of Nyahururu. The drop is about 72 to 74 m, and the river is called the Ewaso Ng'iro or the Ewaso Narok. The town lies at about 2,360 m above sea level.
The falls are not part of the Aberdare National Park. A county runs them, and a park ticket should not be assumed to cover them. The name goes back to the explorer Joseph Thomson and the year 1883, and to his father. If the park is the main reason for your trip, compare Aberdare safari tours first and add the falls as a separate day or stop.
The viewpoint and the path into the gorge
What the visit involves.
The view from above
The first view is from a grassy viewpoint above the gorge, looking down on the drop and the forest below. It is the part of the visit you can rely on.
The path down
A path leads into the gorge. Whether you can reach the bottom depends on current access and the state of the path, so ask at the entrance and do not count on it.
The water
Do not plan on swimming. Keep clear of edges and wet rock, and follow the staff.
Aberdare safaris and day trips
Safaris and day trips into the Aberdares and the Nyeri area, with live prices and availability.
Thomson Falls fees in the county tariff
Adult and child fees in Kenyan shillings, 2025 tariff.
| Visitor | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan citizens | KES 100 | KES 50 |
| Non-citizen residents and East African Community citizens | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Non-residents from outside the East African Community | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
These fees are the 2024/2025 tariff, so confirm the current amount at the entrance. Commercial video filming costs KES 10,000 per day. If you plan to film for work, ask before you start. Opening hours, parking and age limits for children are worth checking on the day.
For most visitors, one stop of a few hours at the viewpoint is the realistic plan. Add the gorge path only if access is open.
Thomson's Falls and the park waterfalls compared
Two different kinds of visit.
| Thomson's Falls | Park waterfalls | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Nyahururu | Inside the Aberdare National Park |
| Names | Thomson's Falls | Karuru, Gura, Chania, Magura |
| Run by | The county | Kenya Wildlife Service |
| Fee, non-resident adult | KES 1,000 (2025 tariff) | $70 park entry (2026) |
For most visitors with a single day, the falls at Nyahururu are an easy add-on to a Nyeri stay, while the park waterfalls need a full park day. The falls were of course known to local people long before a European name was attached to them.
Nyahururu and the road from Nyeri
The B21 links Nyahururu with Nyeri via Ndaragwa. The Nyeri to Nyahururu road also passes the Aberdare park headquarters, which lies about 15 km from Nyeri. That makes a combined trip possible, but give it a full day and check the road conditions first, especially in the rainy seasons. Our getting there page lists the approaches.
The county has plans to improve toilets and signs at the falls and to add a zipline and leisure area. Plans are not the same as facilities that are open, so do not rely on them. The German Federal Foreign Office warns of conflicts over grazing and land rights in Laikipia and neighbouring counties, which matters for Nyahururu and its surroundings. This is regional advice, not a note about the falls. Read your own government's current advice before you travel. More about the area can be found at Laikipia.
Thomson's Falls: frequently asked questions
Where are Thomson Falls?
They are at Nyahururu, outside the Aberdare National Park. The Nyeri to Nyahururu road connects the two towns.
How high are Thomson's Falls?
The drop is about 72 to 74 m.
How much does it cost to visit?
The 2025 county tariff is KES 100 for Kenyan adult citizens, KES 500 for non-citizen residents and East African Community citizens, and KES 1,000 for other non-residents. Children pay half. Confirm the amount at the entrance.
Can I walk down to the bottom of the falls?
A path into the gorge exists, but access to the bottom is not guaranteed. Ask at the entrance on the day, and do not plan on swimming.
Are Thomson Falls the same as the waterfalls inside the park?
No. The park's falls are Karuru, Gura, Chania and Magura, and they are covered on the waterfalls page. Thomson's Falls are a separate site at Nyahururu.
How long should I plan for Thomson's Falls?
One stop of a few hours at the viewpoint is the realistic plan. Add the gorge path only if access is open on the day.