If you have been looking for a place where you can swap Nairobi traffic for cold highland air and the sound of falling water, Thompson Falls Nyahururu deserves a spot on your list. The waterfall drops about 74 metres into a forested gorge, and it sits a short distance from Nyahururu town in Laikipia County. You can see most of it from the viewpoint in twenty minutes, or you can turn it into a full day of walking, photography, birdwatching and a picnic.
This guide covers what to do at the falls, how the gorge trail really feels, what to expect on fees, the best time to visit, where to sleep and which nearby places fit into the same trip. A short packing list at the end will keep you out of sandals on a muddy trail.
A quick note on spelling: Thomson Falls, Thomson’s Falls and Thompson Falls all point to the same waterfall near Nyahururu. We use Thompson’s Falls as the preferred spelling, but we keep the others in mind because many travellers search for them.
Thompson Falls at a Glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Nyahururu town, Laikipia County, central Kenya |
| Height | About 74 metres (roughly 243 feet) |
| River | Ewaso Narok, also written Ewaso Ng’iro in many travel references |
| Distance from Nairobi | About 180 km; plan for 3.5 to 4 hours by road |
| Town elevation | Nyahururu sits at about 2,360 metres above sea level |
| Typical visit time | 1 to 2 hours for the viewpoint, 3 to 4 hours with the gorge walk |
The falls are named after Joseph Thomson, a Scottish geologist and explorer who reached the area in 1883. The town was once called Thomson’s Falls too, which is why older Kenyans still use the name for Nyahururu. Because the town is so high, mornings and evenings can be properly cold, especially in July and August. Pack a jacket even if the sun is out when you leave home.
Best Things to Do at Thompson Falls Nyahururu
The question most people type is simple: what are the best things to do at Thompson Falls Nyahururu? Here is the honest answer, starting with the easy stuff.
1. Enjoy the Upper Waterfall Viewpoint
The first stop is the viewpoint on the rim of the gorge. This Thompson Falls viewpoint shows the full drop of the water into the green valley below, and it is easy to reach, so it suits almost everyone. In the rainy months the water is heavy and loud, and a light spray rises from the gorge. In drier months the flow is thinner, but the cliff and the trees are still worth the trip. The edge is exposed, so keep children close and stay behind any barriers.
2. Walk Toward the Gorge
This is where Thompson Falls hiking begins. A trail leads from the viewpoint area toward the bottom of the ravine, and the Thomson Falls walking trail shows you the water from a very different angle. From below, the falls look taller and far more powerful.
Be realistic about it. Parts of the path are steep, the ground is uneven and the surface gets slippery when wet. The walk down feels easy; the climb back is what tires people. A few simple rules make the Thomson Falls hike to the bottom safer:
- Walk in a group and never alone.
- Wear shoes with proper grip, not slippers.
- Stay on the marked path and follow local instructions.
- Carry water for the climb back out.
- Skip the trail right after heavy rain if the ground looks slick.
If you prefer to keep things easy, stay at the top. The viewpoint alone is a good outing.
3. Take Photographs at Different Hours
Thompson Falls photography spots are mostly along the rim and on the trail. Early morning gives soft light, cooler air and fewer people in the frame. Midday light can look harsh on the water but brings out the deep greens of the gorge. Try a wide shot from the top, a close shot of water against rock, and a low shot from the trail if you go down. A phone is enough, though an action camera helps if you expect spray.
4. Go Birdwatching and Look for Monkeys
The forest around the gorge supports birdlife, and visitors often spot baboons and colobus monkeys. Sit quietly near the trees and bring binoculars if you have them. Do not feed the animals or walk toward them for photographs; baboons can turn bold when visitors share food. Sightings are never guaranteed, so treat any rare bird or monkey as a bonus.
5. Have a Picnic
The Thomson Falls picnic site area is popular with families. Pack sandwiches, fruit, water and a flask of tea, and choose a spot well away from the cliff edge. Keep food covered, because monkeys have good eyesight and no manners, and carry your rubbish back out.
6. Browse the Curio Stalls
Near the entrance you will find curio shops, and visitors sometimes meet traditional dancers who pose for photographs. Photos are usually done for a small fee, so ask first and agree the amount. You can skip this part if you want a quieter visit.
Is Thompson Falls Suitable for Children?
Yes, with limits. Children can enjoy the viewpoint, a supervised picnic and a short walk. The gorge trail is not ideal for very young children because of steep sections, slippery surfaces and exposed edges. Family activities here are best planned around the viewpoint and the picnic area. Keep an adult within arm’s reach at all times.
Thompson Falls Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The numbers online do not agree. One older news report listed KES 100 for Kenyan adults, KES 20 for Kenyan children and KES 200 for non-Kenyans. Another travel site lists different amounts and gives usual opening hours as 7 am to 6 pm. A third guide only says a small fee is payable by M-Pesa at the gate.
So treat any figure as a rough guide. Confirm the current entrance fee for Kenyan citizens and visitors at the gate or by calling a nearby lodge, and carry both cash and M-Pesa. Do the same for opening hours if you plan to arrive very early or late.
Best Time to Visit Thomson Falls
You can visit all year. What changes is the mood.
- January to early March and July to September: generally better for walking because the ground is firmer. July and August are cold.
- Rainy periods: the water flow is stronger and the falls look dramatic, but the trail gets slippery and muddy.
- Early morning: best for photography, cooler air and fewer visitors in any month.
For weather and travel tips in one line: bring a light rain jacket, a warm layer and sunscreen. The highlands can give you sun, cloud and drizzle in one afternoon.
How to Get to Thompson Falls from Nairobi
Nairobi to Nyahururu is about 180 km, and the drive normally takes 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. The falls are only a few kilometres from the town centre.
By private car or hired driver. This is the most flexible choice for a day trip from Nairobi, but it is a long day, so start early.
By public transport. Matatus connect Nairobi and Nyahururu, and you can then take a boda boda or taxi to the falls. For help comparing routes and reserving seats, read our bus booking guides, which explain fares, operators and how to book online. Schedules and prices change, so confirm before you pay.
By tour package. Several operators sell private day tours from Nairobi that combine the falls with other stops and lunch. Itineraries and prices differ, so confirm what is included. Expedia lists things to do in Nyahururu if you want to compare options.
Where to Stay Near Thompson Falls
Many visitors turn the falls into a weekend getaway. Places to stay near the waterfall fall into two groups.
The Panari Resort (BW Signature Collection). About 1 km from the falls, with rooms that overlook the gorge, the Ewaso Nyiro river and Marmanet Forest. It suits families and couples who want more comfort and dining.
Thomson’s Falls Lodge. An old colonial-style lodge dating from the 1930s, right next to the viewpoint. Reviewers call it simple and functional, with gardens that overlook the falls. It offers accommodation, dining, camping, picnic facilities and walking tours. Read an independent write-up on Expert Africa. The area near the gorge can get busy with tour groups, so go early for quiet.
Nyahururu town. Cheaper rooms and more eating options are a few kilometres away, which suits budget travellers and late matatu arrivals.
Camping. Camping is possible at the lodge. Confirm rules, costs and availability first, and bring warm gear, because nights are cold at this altitude. Always confirm room prices and availability with the property, as these change often.
Nearby Places to Add to Your Trip
These are add-ons in the wider Nyahururu area, not part of the falls site.
- Lake Ol Bolossat. A community-managed lake offering birdwatching, nature walks and hippo viewing with trained local guides. Confirm access and guide arrangements locally.
- Aberdare region. The mountains that feed the river offer forest scenery and wildlife. If you want to pair the falls with an Aberdare tour, check park rules and entry requirements first.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Solio Ranch. Both are toward the Nanyuki side and known for rhinos and other wildlife. They need a separate day.
- Nyahururu Golf Club. A nine-hole course established in 1936.
A simple itinerary: falls in the morning while the light is soft, lunch in Nyahururu, then the lake in the afternoon. Start the drive back early so you are not on the road after dark. If it feels rushed, stay a night.
If you enjoy short escapes out of Nairobi, our guide to things to do in Ol Donyo Sabuk offers another nature day trip.
What to Pack for Your Trip
You can compare prices on Jumia Kenya or in local shops.
- Hiking shoes with grip for the uneven, sometimes wet trail.
- A small backpack for water, snacks, sunscreen, a first-aid kit and rain protection.
- A reusable water bottle for the climb back.
- Trekking poles (optional) for the steep return.
- A waterproof rain jacket for drizzle and spray.
- Binoculars for birds and monkeys without getting close.
- A camera or action camera for the falls and trail.
- Sunscreen, a sun hat and a warm sweater.
- Camping gear, only if you have confirmed the campsite rules.
Thompson Falls FAQs
What are the best things to do at Thompson Falls Nyahururu? Enjoy the viewpoint, walk toward the gorge, take photographs, watch birds and monkeys, and have a picnic. Lake Ol Bolossat is an easy add-on.
Where is Thomson Falls located? Near Nyahururu in Laikipia County, central Kenya, a short distance from town.
How high is Thomson Falls? About 74 metres, or roughly 243 feet. Some listings round it to about 70 metres.
Can visitors walk to the bottom of the falls? Yes, a trail leads toward the ravine. It is steep in places, so walk in a group in shoes with grip.
Is Thomson Falls suitable for children? Yes for the viewpoint and a supervised picnic, but not the gorge trail for very young children.
What animals can visitors see near the falls? Birds, baboons and colobus monkeys. Sightings are not guaranteed, and feeding animals is a bad idea.
How much is the Thomson Falls entrance fee? Published figures vary, so confirm the current rate locally before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Thomson Falls? Any time of year. January to early March and July to September are usually easier for walking.
How long should visitors spend at the falls? One to two hours for the viewpoint, and three to four with the gorge walk and a picnic.
Where can visitors stay near the waterfall? The Panari Resort, Thompson’s Falls Lodge and places in Nyahururu town.
Final Thoughts
The falls reward you for very little effort. A short walk to the viewpoint already gives you a tall waterfall, a deep green gorge and cool air. Add the gorge trail, a picnic and a stop at Lake Ol Bolossat, and you have a proper weekend in the highlands. Go early, wear proper shoes, respect the animals and confirm fees before you leave.
Planning more trips? Browse our Kenya travel guides and bus booking guides for fares, routes and practical advice.
Fees, opening hours, hotel facilities and tour prices change. Always confirm with the provider before you travel.
