Nyahururu: Waterfall, Running and Laikipia

Nyahururu combines a striking waterfall just outside the town with stories of road running and altitude training. This mix gives trip planning two local points of interest: scenery and sporting history.

Thompson Falls and the Ewaso Narok

Thompson Falls lie just outside Nyahururu on the Ewaso Narok. The water plunges 72 metres and feeds the dense forest below the falls. The river, the drop and the forest together shape this natural attraction. If you want to make the waterfall the focus when choosing where to stay, it offers a clear landscape-related point of reference for planning in Nyahururu.

A 2024 report described leisure businesses on the edge of Thompson Falls and noted that tourists and local residents continued to visit the landscape. The report mentioned a carousel, horses and a swing for one operator. If these activities matter to your travel decision, check that they are currently available before visiting.

Road Running and Altitude Training

The town’s sporting history is also part of its character. A 2007 report described Nyahururu’s first 10 km road race, which was attended by hundreds of local and international athletes. The Co-operative Bank of Kenya sponsored the race, which was won by Monica Wangari and Abel Maina. Alongside its landscape, this provides a specific historical episode connecting Nyahururu with road running.

The altitude training stadium offers another perspective: a large group of athletes based in Japan, who were home for the year-end holidays, used it to train for the new season. The race and the training illustrate different forms of running in Nyahururu: a historic competition and preparation for a season.

Nature Experiences in Laikipia District

For a broader look at Laikipia District, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers several ways to experience wildlife. Full-day game drives provide opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat; night drives explore the conservancy after dark and offer the chance to see nocturnal animals. Guided bush and bird walks with rangers offer a different focus: visitors learn about routes, good viewing spots and different species. On lion-tracking outings, visitors search for radio-collared lions with an experienced tracker.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy also offers one-on-one conversations with experts on conservation, wildlife, community development and conservation technology. They are available daily and can be booked with three days’ notice; check current availability if you would like to arrange a conversation.

Another distinct perspective on Laikipia District is a visit to Borana Conservancy. It lies on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya on the Laikipia Plateau, north of the equator, between an arid landscape to the north and ancient indigenous forests to the south. The conservancy provides a habitat for black and white rhinos, as well as other endangered species. Mountain biking is available on its game trails and tracks. At the Mazingira Centre, visitors can learn about conservation measures such as water storage, solar energy and tree nurseries.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide on your preferred focus first: do you want to focus on Nyahururu’s waterfall and sporting history, or are you planning experiences in the conservancies of Laikipia District? Choose your accommodation based on the destinations you actually plan to visit and the specific location of the property.

Discover more destinations: Ndaragwa, Ol Joro Orok.

For the broader travel overview: Nyandarua.