Plizio Visual Lab

Athi River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

Weather…

The Athi River is the second-longest river in Kenya and plays a critical role in the country's water supply and regional ecology. Originating in the Ngong Hills south of Nairobi, the river flows for over 390 kilometres in a south-easterly direction. In its upper reaches, it traverses the Kapiti and Athi Plains before reaching the spectacular Fourteen Falls near Thika, where the water plunges 27 metres into the gorge below. Following its confluence with the Tsavo River, it changes its name to the Galana (or Sabaki in its lower reaches) and empties into the Indian Ocean north of Malindi. The river is a vital resource for local agriculture and industry, although it faces severe environmental challenges due to pollution from industrial zones in Nairobi and Athi River Town. Despite these issues, the river remains an important habitat for hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Fourteen Falls is a popular site for visitors, showcasing the immense geological power of the water as it carves deep channels into the underlying rock strata.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	29	29	27	26	25	24	25	26	27	27	28
Rain mm	26	12	55	113	122	40	22	20	23	83	128	80

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The river is usually accessed via the main highways connecting Nairobi and Mombasa or through national parks, with local guides often arranging transport to the most accessible and safe riverbanks.

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Best season

The dry season, typically lasting from July to October, gives the best conditions for a visit, as lower water levels make the surrounding riverbanks much easier and safer to navigate.

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Terrain & paths

The surrounding environment is characterized by flat savanna plains, scattered scrub vegetation, and shorelines that alternate between sandy and muddy depending on the current water levels.

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What to bring

Sturdy walking shoes, adequate sun protection, effective insect repellent, and plenty of drinking water are absolutely essential for any daytime excursion in this environment.

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Parking

Vehicles can typically be left securely at designated lodges, official national park entrances, or nearby settlements before continuing the journey toward the river on foot.

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Safety

Always maintain a safe distance from the water due to the potential presence of dangerous wildlife like hippos and crocodiles, and strictly avoid the area following heavy rainfall.

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Time needed

Visitors generally spend anywhere from a few hours to half a day exploring the riverbanks, taking in the scenic views, and observing the local wildlife in its natural habitat.