- Destination type: Hikes
Within Mt.Kenya Forest, lies Rua Nyoni Falls which also happens to be the tallest waterfall within the forest. This moderate hike covers about 20km and takes 7 hours to complete. It starts at Irangi gate and ends at Rutune gate of Mt.Kenya National Park, which is in Kianjokoma, Embu County.
This hike has a nearly 220m elevation change, that may be barely noticeable as you enjoy the tall, 100-year-old indigenous trees and learn about the different species of vegetation within the forest. With favourable weather the drive to the starting point of the hike offers clear views of Mt. Kenya’s peak.
Hike researched in Apr 2025 by Nehemia Moss
The destination is 155km from Nairobi and due to the many twists and hill climbs, we estimate that it would take 3.5 hours to arrive
The route we would use would be Thika Highway, passing through Makuyu, turning at Makutano, passing through Embu, Kianjokoma and finally Irangi Forest Station
- Hiking level – moderate due to the long distance and medium high altitude. We do expect a near 14m steep ascent from the falls.
- Main attractions – waterfall, river, forest, indigenous vegetation, Mt. Kenya peak.
- Type of hike – forest hike with waterfall
- Atmospheric conditions – Some cloud cover & cool conditions depending on the season
- Slipping hazard – high at the river due to the sharp and wet stones, low level on the hiking route as most of the ground is firm.
- Steepness – majorly low and medium for the hike, the steepest section of the hike is the descent to the /ascent from the waterfall. General elevation change is more than 200m, the lowest altitude being 2000m and the highest altitude 2210m.
- Hiking path condition – unused paths can be overgrown with vegetation. Additionally, thorny tendrils & stinging nettles are numerous and possibility of being scratched is high. Bending and crawling through paths is common.
- Water usage – moderate
- Route visibility – mostly visible but need to keep together to avoid misdirection
10. Biodiversity – numerous species of flowering plants, insects, birds.
- Good hiking boots – these are really needed due to the small stones, rocky terrain, loose soil, thorns and insects
- Trousers, long sleeved shirts – due to the dense thickets and thorns, there are high possibilities of being scratched.
- Sun hat – to protect against the sun and overhead branches
- Water – at least 2.5 litres
- Lunch – the hike is long, and we recommend you carry lunch – this can be had by the river.
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Elevation Profile
Trail Map
