- Destination type: Hikes
This hike lands squarely into moderate category with the 14km stretch and long stretches of ascents and descents. It starts and ends in Githunguri town and has 3 waterfalls, all available for swimming.
The start is fairly straight along dirt roads before we find ourselves at the first waterfall (Karweti) around 3km into the trek. The second waterfall occurs around the 7km mark while the final waterfall is around 9km mark. After finishing with the last waterfall, it’s a long 5km upward walk back to the town.
Each waterfall is different and offers swimming options and nice views too. The hike can take about 7 hours including time for swimming
It would take us about 1.5 hours to get there. The distance to the starting point is about 50km. We’ll depart the city at 7:00am
Nairobi – Ruiru – Githunguri town
- Hiking level –moderate with a general descent towards the middle and long ascent back to the starting point. Total hiking distance is 14 km.
- Main attractions – long farm walks, 3 waterfalls, swimming, birdlife, views
- Type of hike – farm/rural trek with sparse forest cover
- Atmospheric conditions – Similar to Nairobi weather
- Slipping hazard – very low except at the waterfalls
- Steepness – Most of the terrain is gently rising or falling with a few steep sections. Total elevation change is almost 200m with the highest altitude being 1960m at the start and the lowest being 1760m at the second waterfall
- Hiking path condition – open trails surrounded by forest, grassland or plantations
- Water usage – medium to high – recommend a minimum of 2 litre depending on weather
- Route visibility – the trail is generally visible except for a few places where the paths can split
- Biodiversity – numerous species of birds and trees
- Good hiking boots
- Sun hat – to protect against the sun
- Water – at least 2 litres
- Change of clothes or swimming costume in case you’re swimming
- Snacks and lunch – since we expect to finish latest by 6pm, we recommend you bring snacks and lunch to eat while relaxing at scenic locations along the route