Luxury Safari to Thompson’s Falls in Kenya

by Kamau Mbiyu
(Nairobi, Kenya)

Thompson’s Falls is an ideal and lovely destination for lovers of Luxury travel. Located in the outskirts of Nyahururu town in central Kenya, it drops from the Ewaso Narok River whose source is the Aberdare Mountain Ranges and a tributary of the Ewaso Nyiro River. It drops on a height of 72m and is named after the Scottish geologist Joseph Thompson, who was the first European to reach it. Nyahururu town is located around 180 km from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. While on your safari in Kenya, this would be the place to take a stop over while on your way to the Great Rift Valley or Samburu National park.

From a set view point, the falls present a scenic and unforgettable view for nature lovers and a memorable sound of dropping water as it hits the rocks, scores of feet below. A fun activity to undertake would be descending down to the foot of the falls. From here, the experience of watching the water splashing on the bedrocks from way above is just breath taking. In addition, the surrounding environment covers evergreen vegetation that includes indigenous trees. The view, accompanied by the chirping of birds and chattering of baboons nearby that have this for a home provides serene nature’s best.

Near the view point, there is a lawn with beautifully mowed grass and wooden benches for relaxation. It also offers a place for children to play as there are lots of swings and slides. One can also enjoy a camel ride around the park and take a picture with locals, dressed in traditional African regalia while holding traditional weapons such as spears and shields. A few meters from the falls, there’s a lane with curio shops on either side. One could take this chance to buy some animal statues, African art and clothing. Such would be lovely as a gift or for self.

One can spend a night at the luxurious Thompson Falls Lodge. The lounges have fireplaces, to keep them warm and cozy during the nights when it gets cold. Meals are offered and can be served on the beautiful lawns, while you listen to the splashing waters of the falls. This would is a romantic place to have honeymoon in Kenya.
Upstream, there is a hippo view point. A good time to view these enormous river horses would be in the evening when they start emerging on the water surface. It’s an unforgettable experience to watch as a hippo opens its mouth wide enough, more than 110 degrees wide.

Nyahururu town lies a few kilometers from the equator, and a bill board on the Nairobi-Nyahururu road says “You are crossing the equator”. During March and September, the sun passes directly over your head during midday. About 15km from Nyahururu on the way to Nakuru is the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. From the view point, the view of the slopes and floor below is just spectacular. Photos taken from here are a must have for anyone who visits.

On your way from Nyahururu to Nyeri, the scenic view of coffee and tea farms as you near Nyeri is lovely. One will also enter the Aberdare National park from nearby, where there is lots of wildlife to be seen. The lake Ol-borosat is also nearby, on the foot of the Aberdare Mountain ranges and is a habitat for various bird species.