Torrential, Thompson Falls!

The torrential Thompson Falls

Over the past weekend I spent some time in Nyahururu, a town east of Nakuru and approximately 2hrs 30min away from Nairobi. As we left Nairobi, it was a dull cloudy morning with slight showers and we hoped that the weather would be better at our intended destination.

Gloomy cloudy Nairobi

We drove down using the Nairobi – Nakuru highway and diverted down into Gilgil. The entire way was dull with the occasional drizzles. We eventually got to Nyahururu which was also wet and quite gloomy. We attended a friend’s baby traditional dedication and within no time it was dark.

Thompson Falls Lodge

We decided to put up at the Thompson Falls Lodge. This is so that we could get a glimpse of the of the famous Thompson Falls. As we drove into the establishment, the constant hum of the pouring waterfall could be heard through the quiet of night! It had been quite a while since I had viewed the falls and I just couldn’t wait for the morning so that I could see it again.

The main lodge building

The British colonial style accommodation section

The Thompson Falls Lodge is a beautiful place built in the British colonial days and style. It still has an attractive charm of old, particularly in its architectural design. The buildings are unique and the combination of wood and stone in the structures give them a rustic touch, complimented by the well manicured lawns. The rooms are well kept and the staff are quite friendly as well as helpful. The establishment also has a souvenir shop to cater for the visitors who wish to carry with them something to remind them of Nyahururu.

The picnic lawn. Notice the falls at the far end

A lounge banda with the souvenir shop in the background

A horse grazing in the lawn

Thompson Falls is a 74m scenic waterfall along the Ewaso Ng’iro river which emanates from the Aberdare Mountain Range. In the morning as I walked down to view the falls, I could feel the breeze with water droplets falling on my face as the water hit the rocks below and splashed back up. To have access to the falls one has to pay a gate charge of Kshs. 50.00 and it sure is worth it. There is a rail guard protecting the visitors from falling down the cliff and it also works as a view point.

The torrential Thompson Falls, Nyahururu

While at the falls view point, I saw people of all walks of life who had come to see and experience the beauty of this natural feature. They mostly walked, sat or stood in couples as they awed at this beautiful creation.

A couple enjoying the beautiful sight of the Thompson Falls

There is a stairway that takes one down to the foot of the waterfall through a thick canopy of tall indigenous trees! This would be an awesome experience hearing the sound of the water crushing on the rocks and having the splashing droplets in the breeze right in your face. I however couldn’t do it as there was a depressing notice that warned of insecurity on the way down. It insisted that one had to be accompanied by a guard down the cliff.

A warning notice

I also came across some business-minded ladies and gentleman who were adorned in traditional regalia and they roamed the expanse of the view point hoping that the visitors would ask them for a photo moment which they charge a minimal fee of between 50/- and 100/-. 🙂

Traditionally clad businessman and ladies! 🙂

Mash enjoying a juice on the neat lawn

It was soon time to leave as we had a long way to cover back into Nairobi. It was a good trip and I can’t thank God enough for this beautiful country (Kenya) that he has given us!

Leaving the lodge

The main entrance to the lodge

Distance from Nairobi to Nyahururu: 186km

Accommodation: Thompson Falls Lodge (approx. 5,000/- for a double room)

Activities: Visit the Thompson Falls, Visit the Equator crossing, Close proximity to the Aberdare Mountain Range and the Lake Nakuru National Park

Costs:

To view the waterfalls: 50/- per person

To picnic at the lodge: 150/- per person

For anyone who wants to have quiet getaway into the upcountry, I would definitely recommend a visit to the quiet town of Nyahururu and a stay at the quiet and beautiful Thompson Falls Lodge.

-MASH-