Thomson’s Falls Nyahururu

Insights

Thomson's Falls is a scenic waterfall on the Ewaso Ng’iro river, few kilometres away from Nyahururu town.

It’s a 74 meters waterfall, a close distance away from Lake Ol Bolossat which drains from the Aberdare Mountain Range.

Tourists can view the falls from above and there is a trail down the bottom of the ravine. Upstream from the falls is one of the highest hippo pools in Kenya.

The falls appeared in the TV movie, The Man in The Brown Suit, the movie was in theaters around 1988. Thomson's is one of the most recommended places to visit while in Kenya. It’s view is one of the most beautiful views that you must not miss.

Facts about Thomson’s Falls

In 1883, Joseph Thomson was the first European to reach Thomson Falls, and it was named after his father. Thomson was a geologist from Scotland, he was also the first man to walk from Mombasa to Lake Victoria in the early 1880s.

The falls span a height of 72 meters. It contributed in discovering Nyahururu town and giving it its Colonial name. It is one of the major economic resources for the town of Nyahururu. Most of the revenue is received from tourists, as International and domestic and the charges are applied at the gate.

How to Get There

Thomson’s Falls is situated on the outskirts Nyahururu town. It is easily accessed by road and is 4 hours drive from Nairobi.

Climate

Thomson Falls has an oceanic climate. It witnesses rainfall during almost all months of the year.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Thomson is between January to May and August to December.

During these months the weather is pleasant and has limited rainfall. The highest average temperature is 26°C in January while the lowest average temperature is 19°C in june.

Why to visit Thomson’s Falls?

Nyahururu was one of the last towns to be established. A hut built by the Narok Angling Club in the early 1920s was the first sign of urbanization.

It was built to give the members the opportunity to fish for the freshly introduced trout in the Ewaso Narok River, along with Pesi and Equator rivers.

Later in 1929, the railway line arrived and the town started to get active and to be on the map.

However, the hotel built in 1931 at Thomson’s Falls Lodge is still present.

Nyahururu is still a significant market town. The market is worth visiting, especially on Saturdays.