Rua Nyoni Hike

Within Mt.Kenya Forest, lies Rua Nyoni Falls which also happens to be the tallest waterfall within the forest. This beginner moderate hike covers about 11km and takes 5 to 6 hours to complete. It starts and ends at the Rutune gate of Mt.Kenya National Park, which is in Kianjokoma, Embu County.

This round-trip hike has a nearly 180m 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 Jan 2025 and written by Carleen Chumba (you can follow her here on instagram )

It can take 3 to 3.5 hours to get there from Nairobi CBD depending on traffic conditions

We’ll be using Thika highway, going on up to Makutano and then Embu before we drive north to the slopes of Mt. Kenya

1. Hiking level – beginner to moderate (stretching & light exercise prior to the hike is encouraged for beginners). We do expect a near 14m steep ascent from the falls.

2. Main attractions – waterfall, river, forest, indigenous vegetation, Mt. Kenya peak.

3. Type of hike – forest hike with waterfall

4. Atmospheric conditions – Some cloud cover & cool depending on the season

5. 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.

6. 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 less than 180m, the lowest altitude being 1986m and the highest altitude 2154m.

7. 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.

8. Water usage – moderate

9. 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 litres
• Lunch – the hike is long, and we recommend you carry lunch – this can be had by the river.