Which is the highest waterfall in Kenya? Karuru falls in Aberdares National Park is the answer and it has 3 tier or rather steps (Staircase) the first tier being 117 Meters, 2nd 26m and the 3rd 130 M totalling a staggering 273 M.
This spectacular Waterfall is nestled right inside one of the most spectacle National Parks in Kenya. The Aberdare National Park.
This is the place where Princes Elizabeth knew she was going to be a Queen when his father, King George VI passed on. She was staying at Treetops Lodge.
The distance from Nairobi to Karuru waterfalls is 172 Kilometers a 3 hours drive depending on the type of vehicle and driver.
Karuru waterfall is one of those “Eye Watering” and astounding views that will leave you awestruck and if you’re not careful you might find yourself dribbling.
The Karuru Falls Views of water cascading on the staggering 273 meters is simply Perplexing and bewitching, to say the least.
Without much ado, let’s now dive in and see what Karuru waterfalls has in store for us.
Karuru falls hiking.
The start point is usually at the Mutubio Park Gate all the way to the wood rails where you can have the magnificent views of the Karuru Waterfall.
The hike can take up to 8 hours, to and from so you need to plan your timing well. Carry enough water and dress accordingly.
As Frank on Safari explained in this post, what to carry or rather hiking checklist for both beginners and professionals.
The 8-hour hike is for an average hiker, the time will depend on your stamina, it can be more or less.
The thought of the views, as you can see in the images should motivate you and keep in mind the result is rewarding.
If I could rate Hiking Karuru falls, it is a moderate terrain ideal for beginners.
What to see, in Karuru waterfalls.
Apart from the waterfall, remember you are inside the Aberdare national park. This is why you will need to hire an armed warden.
Along the way, you might come across Elephants since they are in plenty there. You will need to pay for the warden at the gate for Kes3,000 or $30.
As you hope not to meet with the Elephants, you will come across, friendly waterbucks, Monkeys, Antelopes among other smaller harmless animals.
What if you don’t want to hike but see the Karuru waterfalls?
Well, this is possible but you will need a 4WD, the place is one of the regions in Kenya which rains almost all year round.
The roads are pathetic but with a 4WD you`re good to go. You can choose to leave your car at Chania Waterfall Junction near the fishing Lodge.
From here you can trek or hike the remaining 3 Kilometers to Karuru Falls.
However, if you don’t want to hike at all, then you have the option to drive your 4WD further uphill and you will find secluded public parking where you can park your car and proceed from here.
You will have a 10 minutes walk to your anticipated Karuru waterFalls. See how easy that was? But I would advise you to hike from Matubio Gate.
It is more engaging and engrossing especially if you’re in a group. Let’s shed some Calories.
Please note you can utilize your time after the Karuru waterfalls by visiting the surrounding waterfalls namely; –
Waterfalls in Aberdare National Park.
Basically, Aberdare National Park has 4 alluring waterfalls, Karuru waterfall included.
- Chania Waterfall
- Maguru falls and Queens Caves
- Gura falls.
Gura Waterfalls.
Unfortunately, there are no hiking trails to Gura waterfalls and you can only have the amazing views of the Gura Falls from the Karuru View Point.
There are no leading rails to the bottom of the Karuru falls either for the obvious reasons (Security) but from the viewpoint, you will have a fascinating view.
Chania Falls.
Just within the vicinity of the Karuru Falls, you will find the Chania Falls. This one has rails leading down and up the falls.
You get down to the cascading water, the melodious spurting water and the tweeting and chirping birds make the place incredibly awesome and tranquil.
Magura Falls & Queens Caves.
At the start, I mentioned ABERDARE National Park is quite significant with the Royal family. So, there is a wooden seating area as you head to the falls where the queen had lunch with her husband Prince Charles.
They were served a delectable lunch by one Major Eric George Sherbrook. The setting remains up to date (2021) almost 70 years ago.
Behind the Magura falls is an asylum of the famous Mau Mau fighter Dedan Kimathi.
Karuru Falls Entrance fees 2021.
There is no extra fee to go to any of the falls so long as you have paid the official KWS Entrance park fees of the Aberdares National Park as shown below.
| A Park Fees
B E R D A R E S | Citizen Adult Kes250
Citizen Child Kes200 | Vehicle Fees
6 Seats Kes300 6-12 Seats Kes1030 13-24-Seater Kes2585 25-44-Seater Kes4050 45-Above Kes 5,000
|
| Non-Resident Adult $30
Non-Resident Child $20 | ||
| Armed guard/Guide to Hike with to the Falls Kes3,000 or $30. |
Karuru Falls Location.
These falls are nestled right inside Aberdares National Park, 180 Kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya.
The roads to this destination are good and you don’t really need a 4WD but only if you want to drive to Karuru Falls.
If you have a 2WD, you can start your hike at Matubio Gate.
Air- If you want to access the Falls by Air, you can land inside Aberdare National Park airstrip near the Queens`s cave Picnic site.
Hotels near Karuru Falls Viewpoint.
You have several options where you can stay near the Karuru Falls as shown below.
| Hotel | Distance | Book |
| The Ark Lodge | 19.7 Kms | Book the Ark Lodge Now |
| Ranges View Point | 16.7 Kms | Book Ranges Now |
| Kuniville Guest House | 26.8 Kms | Book kUNIvILLE Now |
| Green Hills Hotel | 27.3 Kms | Book Green Hills Now |
| Fishing Lodge | ||
| Estimated Km from Hotel to Karuru falls According to Booking.com |
Conclusion.
Karuru Waterfall is the highest Waterfall in Kenya. It has neighbouring falls which you can combine and do all the falls in a day.
You might burn out and this is why you have options of staying overnight around or inside the Park before the start of the hike or instead of driving back to Nairobi you can rest in the nearby town.
I highly recommend you start your hiking at Matubio Gate, it is only 6 Kms to the Karuru Falls Viewpoint.
Remember to only leave your footprints just like the other animals!
Thank you for the read and share, leave a comment regards to your experience at Karuru Falls.
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