Thomson's Falls in Nyahururu, Nyahururu: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Parks, beaches and nature in Nyahururu, Nyahururu
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
74 m waterfall on the Ewaso Narok River just outside Nyahururu, with viewing platforms, a trail to the base, a hippo pool upstream and a craft village.
GPS: -0.0333, 36.3667
What is Thomson's Falls?
Thomson's Falls drops 74 m on the Ewaso Narok (Ng'iro) River about 3 km from Nyahururu town in Laikipia County. Joseph Thomson reached them in 1883, and they are now one of the best-known waterfalls in the Rift Valley. You can look down from the viewing platforms or walk the trail to the bottom of the ravine for the best views. Upstream is one of the highest hippo pools in Kenya, and the surrounding forest has colobus monkeys, baboons and many birds.
Outside the main entrance there is a children's play area, a craft village and curio shops. Entry fees are reported differently by different sources, so confirm at the gate.
Thomson's Falls ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (All ages) | Toddler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 100 | KES 50 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 500 | KES 250 | Free |
Sources conflict: Kenyan adults KSh 70 or KSh 100 and children KSh 30 or KSh 50; East African residents about KSh 200; non-citizens KSh 200 to 500. No official price list was found, so confirm at the gate.
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Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | Okay | Viewing platforms and the play area; the trail down is steep | 6–9 years |
Key details
- Address
- Thomson's Falls, about 3 km from Nyahururu town along the Nyahururu–Nyeri road, Laikipia County, Nyahururu
- GPS coordinates
- -0.0333, 36.3667
- Opening hours
- Daily 7am to 6pm Closed now
- How long to plan
- 1 to 2 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Phone
- +254700000000
What to expect when you visit
Pay at the gate, then walk to the viewing platforms above the falls. A steep trail leads to the base of the ravine for closer views.
Upstream you can see the hippo pool, and outside the gate there is a play area, a craft village and curio shops.
Family essentials
- Minimum age
- 07:00
- Safety notes
The trail to the base is steep and the ravine edges are unfenced in places, so supervise children closely.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guided nature walks, fishing and picnics (reported)
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Outdoor
- Busiest times
- Walk-in
- How to get there
Along the Nyahururu–Nyeri road, about 2 to 3 km from Nyahururu town; you can walk or take a boda boda or taxi from town.
- By car
- About 188 km, roughly 3 to 4 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Toilets|Cafe or food on site|Shaded seating|First aid|Gift shop
- Public transport
Stroller friendly|Wheelchair accessible|Free parking|Public transport nearby
- What to bring
Comfortable shoes, water, camera, picnic
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Thomson's Falls?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 100 and resident children (ages All ages) pay KES 50. Non-resident adults pay KES 500 and non-resident children pay KES 250. Children under the toddler age enter free. Sources conflict: Kenyan adults KSh 70 or KSh 100 and children KSh 30 or KSh 50; East African residents about KSh 200; non-citizens KSh 200 to 500. No official price list was found, so confirm at the gate. Prices checked 27 Sep 2026.
- What are the Thomson's Falls opening hours?
- Daily 7am to 6pm. Busiest: Walk-in.
- Is Thomson's Falls suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: 07:00. The trail to the base is steep and the ravine edges are unfenced in places, so supervise children closely.
- How long do you need at Thomson's Falls?
- Plan for 1 to 2 hours.
- What is the best time to visit Thomson's Falls?
- Outdoor. It is busiest Walk-in.
- How do you get to Thomson's Falls?
- About 188 km, roughly 3 to 4 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing: Toilets|Cafe or food on site|Shaded seating|First aid|Gift shop. Public transport: Stroller friendly|Wheelchair accessible|Free parking|Public transport nearby Along the Nyahururu–Nyeri road, about 2 to 3 km from Nyahururu town; you can walk or take a boda boda or taxi from town.
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