Karuru Falls in the Aberdares National Park is a place of many unique wonders of nature. The waterfall is the highest and tallest in Kenya — a breathtaking sight that plunges 273 meters below the viewing point.
The falls, in Nyandarua County, is surrounded by tall green indigenous trees, making it one of the most unique in the country.
It is located in the central moorlands, which in itself attracts a good number of visitors to the Aberdares as it is home to unique wildlife and vegetation, offering a double treat.
For instance, the Aberdare mountain range is home to 52 of Kenya’s 67 highland species of birds.
Some of these birds can be found at the Karuru Falls. They include threatened species such as:
- Sharpe’s Long Claw,
- Aberdare Cisticola,
- Abbott’s Starling,
- Jackson’s Widowbird,
- the African Green Ibis
- and Ayre’s Hawk-Eagle, among others.
For mountain climbers, the falls is surrounded by several peaks, among the most popular being:
- Ol Donyo Lesatima (4,001m),
- Kinangop (3,906m),
- Elephant Hill (3,906m),
- Chebuswa Hill (3,364m) and
- Twin Hills (3,300m).
“The hills and peaks are popular with mountain climbers and provide a wonderful opportunity for those who crave some solitude,” said Mt Kenya Tourism Circuit Chief Executive Officer Simon Wachira.
Mr Wachira said since the Karuru Falls was recognised as the tallest in Kenya, the number of visitors has increased sharply.
How to get there
- Visitors can either use road or air. Those driving from Nairobi will take about three hours to cover the 172-km stretch.
- Air travelers can land inside the Aberdares National Park, which has an airstrip near the Queen’s Cave picnic site.
In addition to the magnificent waterfall, visitors can also watch wildlife like
- Elephants,
- Hyenas,
- Girrafes,
- Antelopes,
- Waterbucks,
- Monkeys, and numerous other species.
Source: Daily Nation
Karuru Falls Entry Fees
Normally Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Conservation fees apply for entry into the Aberdares National Park
| Adult | Kid | |
| Citizen | Ksh 250 | Ksh 200 |
| Resident | Ksh 250 | Ksh 200 |
| Non-Resident | USD 30 | USD 20 |
