Thomson's Falls

Thomson's Falls drops about 74 metres into a forested gorge on the edge of Nyahururu, one of Kenya's highest towns. It was named for the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson, who reached it in 1883.

Why visit Thomson's Falls

A path leads down to the foot of the falls, where colobus monkeys feed in the trees. The falls are an easy, scenic stop on the way between Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta.

Best time to visit Thomson's Falls

The long rains (April to June) and short rains (November) bring the best flow.

How to get to Thomson's Falls

Nyahururu is about three and a half hours' drive from Nairobi.

What to see

Thomson's Falls, on the Ewaso Ng'iro river at Nyahururu, drops about 74 metres in a single fall into a forested gorge. The viewpoint is a short walk from the road, and a steep path leads down to the foot of the falls, where black-and-white colobus monkeys feed in the trees. The falls are named after the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson, who reached them in 1883.

Practical information

Nyahururu is about three and a half hours from Nairobi, and the falls make an easy stop on the way to Laikipia, Samburu or Lake Nakuru. The falls are fullest during the rains, April to May and November. Hire an official guide for the walk to the base, and expect souvenir sellers at the top. At about 2,300 metres, Nyahururu is cool, so bring a jacket.

Pair Thomson's Falls with a safari

Combine Thomson's Falls with the rhinos of Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta on a classic Kenya safari.

Tips for visiting Thomson's Falls

Take the path to the bottom of the gorge for the full height of the falls, and look for colobus monkeys in the trees. Combine the stop with Lake Nakuru or Ol Pejeta on the same day. For planning, see our Kenya guide and the month-by-month water levels, or compare it with Africa's two most visited falls, Victoria Falls and Murchison Falls.

National parks and sights nearby

• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Aberdare National Park
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy