Thomson's Falls Lodge: Our full report

This old colonial pile outside the town of Nyahururu dates from the 1930s.

The hotel is right next to the popular viewpoint of Thomson’s Falls and offers simple accommodation. Nyahururu, at the northern end of the Aberdare Range, performs a similar role as a supply town and regional base for the western Laikipia region as Nanyuki does for Ol Pejeta and the conservancies further east.

The rambling lodge, with its dark wooden floors and original bathrooms, is a functional overnight stop rather than a place to sojourn for several days. Although we have stayed and called in on various occasions while researching the Rough Guide to Kenya, we haven’t yet done a full Expert Africa inspection.

The falls themselves mark the point where the Ewaso Narok River drops off the highlands to flow north to join the Ewaso Nyiro and enter the Samburu ecosystem. The town of Nyahururu, less than 1km away, was formerly known simply as Thomson’s Falls, and is one of Kenya’s highest at 2360m (7,740ft). You’ll be glad of a log fire in your room, especially if you’re here in July or August.

Well-tended gardens overlook the Thomson’s Falls themselves, but the area near the gorge can sometimes be rather busy with tour groups, traditionally dressed professional Kikuyu photo posers and hawkers.

Our view

We have visited Thomsons’ Falls Lodge a number of times over the decades and it seems to have been able to keep up appearances and, a bit more than that, deliver a pleasant and friendly welcome at a modest price.

Richard Trillo

Country manager: Kenya

Geographics

Location: Laikipia, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: 1 night
Directions: Thomson's Falls Lodge is on the outskirts of Nyahururu and most easily accessed by road. Nairobi in about 4 hours drive away.
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