Thomsons Falls

Thomsons Falls

One of the most fascinating natural features in Kenya is the Thomsons Falls bordering the town of Nyahururu in central Kenya. These falls cascade 74 meters (243 feet) down the Ewaso Narok River, and are more than a pretty pit stop, as they are also a way to begin to explore the central highlands and the Great Rift Valley. Thomson Falls is a destination that will suit all your planning, whether it’s a Kenya safari, a photography tour or a laid-back road trip; nature, local culture and adventure are all incorporated into one tranquil location.

Short History of Thomsons Falls

The falls were named after the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson, who discovered the falls in 1883. Thomson was the first European to walk between Mombasa and Lake Victoria, and his discovery led to the opening up of this region to other explorers and traders. The waterfall is created on the Ewaso Narok River, which has its source in Aberdare Mountains, that joins the Ewaso Ngiro River, which supports wildlife-rich areas of Laikipia and Samburu.

What is the Reason to go to Thomson Falls?

Thomson Falls is a scenic point of call to visitors who are en route to Lake Nakuru, Samburu National Reserve or the Aberdare National Park. The falls are enclosed with green vegetation and cloud, which forms a cool and calm microclimate, a perfect place to cool off in the outskirts of the lowland areas of Kenya. To get some amazing photos, you may take a walk to the viewpoint or go down the slippery yet worthwhile path to the bottom of the falls, where you will feel the thunderous spray on your body.

To the birding enthusiast, there is a wide range of bird species found in the area around Thomson Falls, such as the Tacazze sunbird, African pied wagtail and the mountain yellow warbler. You can also see colobus monkeys swinging on the trees in and around the falls, giving you some wildlife experience on your visit.

When to Visit Thomson’s Falls

The falls are magnificent all year round; however, the most appropriate time to visit Thomson Falls is during the rainy seasons between March to May and October to December, when the volume of water is highest. The falls, however, still have a constant flow throughout the dry months, so you will not feel it was a waste visiting the falls. Mornings are better to see and to take photos because the mist is not so dense, and evenings are much better when people want to take photos against the sunset.

Travelling around the Nyahururu Area

The closest town to Thomsons Falls is Nyahururu, with a variety of accommodation facilities, including budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels with waterfall views. You have the opportunity to visit local markets to get a feel of the real Kenyan culture and to purchase fresh produce or handcrafted goods to give back to the local people.

Interested in hiking? The Aberdare Ranges in the vicinity provide a chance to take a guided trek and see buffaloes, elephants and forest birds. Should you have the time, it is worth visiting Thomsons Falls together with a Kenya safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to flamingos, rhinos, and tree-climbing lions in less than two hours of driving.

Photography Hints on a Visit to Thomson Falls

Thomson Falls is a photographer’s dream destination when it comes to taking pictures of the beauty of Kenya. Take a wide-angle lens that will be able to take in the height of the waterfall, and possibly a neutral density filter to make long-exposure images that will give a silky look to the falling water. The best light is in the early morning and late afternoon, and there are fewer visitors in the picture. When you hike to the bottom of the falls, ensure your gear is covered against the mist, and this can be dense at times, more so in the rainy season.

Cultural Meetings around Thomson Falls

Nyahururu is inhabited by the Kikuyu and Maasai people, and you can also organise Kenya cultural tours to understand their culture, the type of food they eat and how they live. A tour of local homesteads and markets will give a better insight into the culture of central Kenya, and will also allow you to add the human interaction to your natural sightseeing.

Admission and Ticket Prices

Thomson Falls is conveniently located by road in Nairobi, which is only 180 kilometres that can be covered in 3.5 hours. The roads are in good condition, and hence they fit both self-drive safaris and guided tours. The entrance fee is cheap average of KES 200 for local tourists and KES 400 for foreign tourists, making it a friendly attraction to all tourists visiting Kenya.

Travel Advice on Visiting Thomson Falls

Bring good-grip shoes that are comfortable in case you intend to walk down to the bottom of the falls, because the path is muddy and slippery. Have a light jacket since the mist and high altitude (approximately 2,360 meters above sea level) cool the region compared to most regions in Kenya. Bring drinking water, snacks and some cash, which can be used to pay entry fees and buy local crafts that the vendors around the site sell.

Tranquil Resort in Kenya Central

As opposed to the more popular safari destinations in Kenya, Thomson Falls are a relaxing and serene stopover that can be enjoyed at the same time as an adventure. It is a perfect addition to tourists who want to experience Kenya’s wildlife safari and natural monuments. Regardless of whether you are on a Kenya road trip, birdwatching trip, or a photography safari, Thomson Falls is one of those undiscovered gems that you can consider adding to your list.

Visit Thomson Falls. Plan Your Visit

Thomson Falls is where you get to experience the real Kenya without the more commercialised routes, and this is ideal for the traveller who wants to go off the beaten path in Kenya. When preparing your East African safari, you can add a day or two around Nyahururu and visit the falls and other cultural attractions of the area to benefit the local communities.

To book guided tours to Thomsons Falls and tailor-made Kenya safari tours that combine natural beauty and wildlife experience, contact a reliable Kenya tour operator now and make Thomsons Falls a memorable experience on your East African tour.