Aberdares Waterfall Chase

One of the best scenic hikes in Kenya has to be the Aberdares Waterfall Chase where we visit a total of 3 waterfalls, all in one day

 

Our first visit is to Karuru Falls, the tallest waterfall in Kenya. This involves a 9km hike but the views and the experience is worth the effort. Hiking to Karuru falls is 4.5km downhill and then 4.5km back uphill. It has 2 viewing platforms, 1 on either side. We cannot fully see the total height of the waterfall but being in the presence of the thunderous waterfalls is enough in itself

 

After completing the Karuru Falls Hike, we then drive to the starting point for Chania Falls and do a quick 800 meter walk to the falls. You can walk all the way to the pool for this falls

 

Finally, we drive to the last one called Magura falls which is also a 800m walk. This waterfall has a cave behind it and it can explored

Full day trip

It can take about 4.5 hours to get there by bus and the departure time will be set accordingly to allow us to have enough time inside the park

We’ll be using Waiyaki Way followed by highway A104 up to flyover bridge just after Soko Mjinga. Once we’ve turned over the flyover, we then use Thika Gatura road, Ndunyu Njeru road and finally drive up to Mutubio Gate at Aberdares National Park

 

Though the total distance to the gate is 131km, the last stretch is quite steep and has many twisting turns. This slows down the bus and hence it takes longer to get there

Intermediate
  1. Hiking level – moderate. Total hiking distance is about 10.6 km. Factors contributing to moderate hiking experience include the long climbs for the Karuru hike, high altitude of up to 3100m,

 

  1. Main attractions – forest hike, 3 waterfalls, tallest waterfall, caves, wildlife and scenery

 

  1. Type of hike – high altitude forest hike

 

  1. Atmospheric conditions – due to the mid – high altitude and wet area, the weather tends to be cool but in sunny conditions, it can get warm, especially when hiking.

 

  1. Slipping hazard – most of the trail is very firm and has low slipping hazard. The only parts that could be slippery are the paths to Magura falls and Chania falls

 

  1. Steepness – over the course of the Karuru hike, we will be steadily going down for the 1st part and then back up the same way. The areas next to the other 2 waterfalls can also be steep

 

  1. Hiking path condition – The Karuru trail is wide and easy to follow as it also allows vehicles to pass through. The trails to Magura and Chania are well marked and lined with wooden barriers in sections for safety

 

  1. Water usage – medium to high – recommend a minimum of 2 litre depending on weather

 

  1. Route visibility – the trail is generally visible except for a few places where the paths can split

 

  1. Biodiversity – numerous species of wildlife such as buffalo, waterbuck, insects, birds and trees
High altitude scenery at Aberdares National Park

Views from the first platform near Karuru Falls – the waterfall shown is Gura Falls
Karuru falls – the tallest waterfall in Kenya – it falls in 3 steps – from the 2nd platform, we can see the whole 1st step and part of the 2nd step

 

Chania Falls

 

Finally Magura Falls – there is a cave behind the waterfall
The cave underneath Magura falls
Chance of seeing wildlife during the trip

 

  • Good hiking boots, walking stick
  • Sun hat – to protect against the sun
  • Water – at least 2 litres
  • Snacks and lunch
  • Raincoat in case weather changes
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Elevation Profile

Trail Map