Vivienne Falls
Waterfalls in Meru
Vivienne Falls: Mount Kenya National Park
Below Lake Michaelson, high above the gorges, is the spectacular but unheralded Vivienne Falls, a natural marvel that’s impressive for its indelible beauty, incredible cascade and as a relic of the extraordinaire adventures of Vivienne de Waterville – the British travel writer and adventurer – after whom the falls was named in the 1930’s. Kenya’s tallest, Vivienne Waterfall, plunging down a whooping great 457M in Mount Kenya’s Georges Valley, is the 5th tallest waterfall in Africa. Gura Falls at 305M and Karuru Falls at 272M in the Aberdares come in at 6 and 8, respectively.
Vivienne Waterville arrived at Mount Kenya National Park on December 25, 1928, aged 28, and she would spend the next two months at Urumandi Hut nearby Nithi Falls, the base from which she explored the mountain highlands. “She had come there to seek solace in nature after an early life marked by epic loss” – Literally Traveller . Vivienne was the only child of Swiss-French naturalist and artist Bernard Perceval de Watteville who had been killed a few years prior by a lion in Congo.
On the slower pace itinerary to Point Batian via Chogoria Route, Vivienne Falls is spotted on Day 3. An early morning start sees you begin your climb from Lake Ellis, wending away on its west side across moorland to a ridge which eventually joins the main Chogoria trail. Hikers catch the views of Vivienne Falls and Gorges Valley as they descend to the most waxed lyrical campsite in the range, at Lake Michaelson. Above the camp are the impressive cliffs of the ‘Temple.’ Exotic birds, including the tacazze sunbird, can be seen close to the camp amongst the bizarre alpine flora. It takes nearly 6 hours of walking from Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson.
Not easily accessible, Vivienne Falls takes about 3 hours (round trip) to explore, most conveniently from Lake Michaelson. It is a relatively short distance but an incredibly treacherous one. The falls is reached by going down two steep drops from Lake Michaelson and across a vertical rock face that leads to the rock pool.
Touring waterfalls in Kenya offers a refreshing and adventurous experience, showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty. Each waterfall – many still little known – provides a unique and memorable experience, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply the opportunity to connect with nature
Index of Waterfalls Around Kenya
Baringo County - Simot Falls , Kikojo Falls , Kapedo Falls , Bomet County - Tenwek Falls , Iria Maina Falls , Bungoma County - Teremi Falls , Malakisi Falls , Nabuyole Webuye Falls , Mwikhupo Falls , Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kessup Falls , Torok Falls , Embu County - Iveche Falls , Karurina Falls , Ndunda Falls , Nthenge Njeru Falls , Nthungu Falls , Paradiso Falls, Isiolo County - Gotu (Chanler's) Falls , Isiolo Falls , Kakamega County - The Isiukhu Falls , Sidikho Falls , Kericho County - Londiani Ruskebe Falls , The Chereres Falls , Kiptui Falls, Kiambu County - Ruaka Falls, Tigoni Hill Falls, Ruai Falls, Mashinani Falls, Karweti Falls, Kirinyaga County - Ruamuthambi Falls , Gatitika Falls , Thiba Falls , Kathiri Falls , The Castle Falls , Kang'ere Falls, Karumandi Falls, Kisii County - Nyamarambe Falls , Kwale County - Sheldrick Falls , Machakos County - Fourteen Falls , Makueni County - Kyanzizi Falls , Ilovoto Falls , Ka Kindui Falls , Meru County - Vivienne Falls , Nithi Gate Falls , Irine (Devil’s Bridge) Falls , Kathita Falls , Ngare-Ndare Falls , Muranga County - Kimakia Falls , Kanunga Falls , Maragua Falls , Manguyo Falls , Nakuru County - Cedar, Makalia Falls, Nandi County - Ngabunat Falls , Chepkiit Falls , Chemase Falls , Tindinyo Falls , Diguna Falls , Nyamira County - Nyamira Falls , Nyabomite Falls , Nyakwana Falls , Nyandarua County - Ragia Falls , Wanjohi Falls , Kenungu Falls , Ndaragwa Falls , The Thompson Falls , Nyeri County - Riakiania Falls, Kahuru Falls, Ragati Falls, Karuru Falls, Chania Falls, Gura Falls, Zaina Falls, Taita Taveta County - Kilangarenyi Falls , Dembwa Falls , The Lugard's Falls , Tana River County - Adamson's Falls , Tharaka Nithi County - Kibuuka Falls , Ikwa Falls , Hidden Falls , Ura Falls , Uasin Gishu County - Koromosho Falls , Kesses Falls , Two Rivers Falls, Kapsurur Falls, West Pokot County - Tartar Falls , Loumba Falls, Wish Yilat
Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.
You Are Here: Vivienne Falls
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Explore Destinations Nearby Vivienne Falls
A Guide to Meru County
A Summa Digest of Meru
About Meru Way Back When
65 Destinations in Meru County , arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kierra Valley , Kierra Ridge , St. Mary’s High School , Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill , Tharuu Springs , Giitune Sacred Forest , M.Mpuri Cultural Centre , Meru Museum , St. Joseph's Cathedral , Meru Sports Club , Alba Hotel , Kathita Falls , Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls , Cool Stream Garden , Thiiri Cultural Centre , Kaaga Methodist Church , Kaaga War Memorial , Kiathandi Hill , Mpogoro Forest , Stone Woman Kieiga Forest , Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru , Ngaya Forest , Meru National Park , Twin Baobab Tree , Elsa’s Kopje , Ikweta Safari Camp , Adamson Falls Bridge , Rhino River Camp , Giant Meru Oak , Lake Nkunga , Mucheene Forest Station , Mucheene Cave , Lake Thai , Lewa Wildlife Conservancy , Sirikoi House , Nyambene Reserve , Liga Ria Ngutu , Lake Magado , Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve , Ngare-Ndare Falls , Mount Kenya National Park , Sirimon Route , Mount Kenya One Day Trip , Theemwe Route , Theemwe Springs , Marania Route , Lake Rutundu , Rutundu Log Cabins , Chogoria Route , Nithi Falls , The Gates Falls, Lake Alice , Lake Ellis , Lake Michaelson , Vivienne Falls , Timau River Lodge , Wonky House , Tamalu Farm , Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm , Kisimani Resort , Mwonyo Valley , Giant Footprints
Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.12?
Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.
What’s The Air Like In Meru?
The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.
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