Karuru Falls and the Aberdare waterfalls
Karuru Falls is one of four waterfalls in Aberdare National Park. The others are Gura, Chania and Magura. Streams from the high ground drop through forested ravines here, and the falls and the forest are part of what the park offers besides wildlife.
Heights depend on how they are measured, so this page gives ranges instead of one figure. Entry to the park is $70 for non-resident adults in 2026, with a vehicle fee on top, and you can reach the falls on your own or as part of an Aberdare safari tour. The viewpoints and paths can change, so ask at the gate which ones are open on your day.
Our picks: tours to the Aberdare waterfalls
Take the hike if you want to walk to Karuru Falls in one day. The camping trip gives you two days with the Karuru and Chania Falls, and the three-day trip adds Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Three days: Aberdare waterfalls, Naivasha and Hell's Gate
- All park fees included
- Camping gear included
- Naivasha boat ride
Day one is the Aberdare waterfall walks, day two the Naivasha boat ride, and day three Hell's Gate by bike and on foot.
Check availability →
Two-day camping trip to the waterfalls
- All park fees included
- Camping gear included
- Karuru and Chania Falls
Two days of camping with the Karuru and Chania Falls on the route. Binoculars, picnic lunches, dinner and breakfast are part of the trip.
Check availability →Guided hike to Karuru Falls
- Pickup and return
- Guided Karuru hike
- Tour van
A day trip to Karuru Falls with a guide, in a van from Nairobi. The park entry is extra.
Check availability →Aberdare waterfall tours and day trips
Day trips and safaris that include the Aberdare falls and forest, with live prices and availability.
Waterfall heights compared
All figures are approximate.
| Waterfall | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Karuru Falls | 273 m or 300 m | The 273 m figure is split into three steps: 117 m, 26 m and 130 m |
| Gura Falls | 300 m or 302 m | A very high single drop |
| Chania Falls | Ask the rangers at the gate | The one inside the park, not the falls near Thika |
| Magura Falls | Ask the rangers at the gate | Associated with Queen's Cave |
Gura is a high single drop and Karuru a series of steps, so the two are not measured the same way. Do not read any one number as a ranking. For most visitors, plan around Karuru and Gura and treat the heights as approximate.
Gura Falls
Gura Falls is a high single drop of 300 to 302 m. It is the fall to look for if you want one tall plunge rather than a series of steps.
Chania Falls and Magura Falls
Chania Falls is a fall inside the park. Take care with searches: another fall of the same name is near Thika, and photos or tips that only say Chania Falls may refer to that place. Magura Falls is associated with Queen's Cave. Ask on arrival whether the cave is open.
Visiting the falls: what to plan for
Walking times, path conditions and the state of railings are not fixed, so ask at the gate or check with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) before you set out. Paths near falls can be wet. Do not enter the gorge or plan on swimming. Stay on the paths and keep to the rules that apply everywhere in the park: at least 20 m from wildlife, no feeding and no single-use plastic.
Mist and rain can hide a view completely. The highlands can be cold and wet, so bring warm layers and sturdy shoes. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains from October to December. See the weather page for what to expect.
Entry applies as for any visit. Ask whether any extra charge applies at the falls on your day, and read the park fees for the entry and vehicle tables. If you want a waterfall outside the park, Thomson's Falls at Nyahururu is a separate stop.
Why the falls exist: the range as a water source
The Aberdare Range is a water catchment. The high ground feeds the streams that run down into forested ravines, and some of that water ends up in the supply of Nairobi through Sasumua and Ndakaini. The falls are part of that system, not a separate attraction cut off from the rest of the park.
That also explains why the weather matters so much. Mountain weather can change, and mist can hide a view completely. Start early, keep to the gate hours of 06:00 to 18:00 and carry a rain layer. For a wider look at what else the park offers, see the wildlife and hiking pages.
Aberdare waterfalls: frequently asked questions
How high is Karuru Falls?
About 273 to 300 m. The 273 m figure is made up of three steps: 117 m, 26 m and 130 m.
Is Karuru the highest waterfall in Kenya?
That is not clear. Gura is a single drop of 300 to 302 m, and Karuru is measured in steps, so the figures are not directly comparable.
Can I swim at the Aberdare waterfalls?
Do not plan on it. The gorges are steep and wet. Ask rangers if you are unsure.
Is there a separate fee for the waterfalls?
No separate fee applies beyond park entry and the vehicle fee. Ask at the gate whether any other charge applies on your day.
Are these the same Chania Falls as near Thika?
No. The Chania Falls in the Aberdares is a separate place. Check the location in any photo or guide before you plan a trip.