Plizio Visual Lab

Nyahururu

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Nyahururu

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Pack warm clothing, as the high altitude makes it unexpectedly chilly.
Visit Thomson's Falls in the early morning to catch rainbows in the mist.
Stop for a photo at the Equator marker just south of town.
Take it easy on your first day to adjust to the high elevation.

🍽 Food

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Nyama Choma

Roasted meat best enjoyed at the eateries near the waterfall entrance.

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Mukimo

A hearty mash of potatoes, corn, and greens found in local diners.

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Highland Chai

Hot, sweet milk tea that is excellent for warming up on chilly mornings.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Fresh Produce

Buy fresh highland peas and potatoes at the main municipal market.

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Kikuyu Baskets

Handwoven baskets and wooden carvings from curio vendors near the falls.

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Ewaso Nyiro Riverbank

A quiet walking path along the river just above the waterfalls.

🧘

Lodge Gardens

The peaceful gardens of the historical lodge offer a relaxing place to sit.

Nyahururu is a scenic town in Laikipia County, celebrated for its dramatic natural landmarks and crisp highland air. Standing at an elevation of 2,303 meters, it holds the distinction of being the highest town in Kenya. It was originally established as Thompson's Falls, named after the spectacular 74-meter waterfall on the Ewaso Narok River, which remains a premier tourist destination in the central region. The town grew significantly after 1929 when the railway line was extended from Gilgil to facilitate agricultural exports. Nyahururu has gained worldwide fame as a high-altitude training ground for world-class long-distance runners, who benefit from the thin air to build endurance. Geographically, the town is tucked away between the Aberdare Ranges and fertile plains, making it a hub for dairy farming and cereal production. Its proximity to the Marmanet Forest also makes it a unique urban center where wildlife, particularly elephants, can occasionally be spotted in the outskirts.

Location: Kenya
Nearby: Nakuru (40 km)
Population: ~37.650 (2023)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	19	20	19	18	18	17	17	18	19	18	18
Rain mm	42	30	83	189	140	96	94	109	90	108	128	80

Geography

Population

37,650 (2023)

Coordinates

-0.04050, 36.36800

Facts

Nyahururu is the highest town in Kenya, situated at 2,303 meters above sea level.
The town is famous for Thomson's Falls, a 74-meter-high waterfall.
The municipality was officially gazetted in 1929.
The name is derived from a Maasai word meaning 'thundering waters'.
It serves as a primary high-altitude training hub for Kenyan track athletes.
Lake Ol Bolossat nearby is the only lake in the Laikipia region.