Magnificent Karuru Falls offers visitors double treat

Karuru Falls in the Aberdares National Park is a place of many unique wonders of nature.

The waterfall is the highest and tallest in Kenya — a breathtaking sight that plunges 273 metres below the viewing point.

The falls, in Nyandarua County, is surrounded by tall green indigenous trees, making it one of the most unique in the country.

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It is located in the central moorlands, which in itself attracts a good number of visitors to the Aberdares as it is home to unique wildlife and vegetation, offering a double treat.

For instance, the Aberdare mountain range is home to 52 of Kenya’s 67 highland species of birds.

Some of these birds can be found at the Karuru Falls. They include threatened species such as Sharpe’s Long Claw, Aberdare Cisticola, Abbott’s Starling, Jackson’s Widowbird, the African Green Ibis and Ayre’s Hawk Eagle, among others.

For mountain climbers, the falls is surrounded by several peaks, among the most popular being Ol Donyo Lesatima (4,001m), Kinangop (3,906m), Elephant Hill (3,906m), Chebuswa Hill (3,364m) and Twin Hills (3,300m).

“The hills and peaks are popular with mountain climbers and provide a wonderful opportunity for those who crave some solitude,” said Mt Kenya Tourism Circuit Chief Executive Officer Simon Wachira.

Mr Wachira said since the Karuru Falls was recognised as the tallest in Kenya, the number of visitors has increased sharply.

To get there, visitors can either use road or air.

Those driving from Nairobi will take about three hours to cover the 172-km stretch.

Air travellers can land inside the Aberdares National Park, which has an airstrip near the Queen’s Cave picnic site.

In addition to the magnificent waterfall, visitors can also watch wildlife like elephants, antelopes, waterbucks, monkeys and numerous other species.