Exploring Kessup Falls on Kenya Safari Tours
Kessup Falls is not like the other waterfalls you will encounter on a Kenya safari tours. It is not a remote, strenuous trek through deep wilderness, nor is it a massive, thunderous plunge like Torok Falls, which lies just 5 kilometers to the south . It is a hidden, 15-metre (49-foot) cascade tucked deep within the lush Kessup Forest on the Elgeyo Escarpment, offering a tranquil, immersive nature experience just 5 kilometers from the world-famous running town of Iten . On a Kenya safari tours, most travelers speed along the main roads, completely bypassing this natural wonder in the heart of the Kerio Valley. That is a loss.
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What to See at Kessup Falls on Kenya Safari Tours
The Waterfall and the Plunge Pool
The star of the show is the waterfall itself. On a Kenya safari tours, Kessup Falls is a beautiful 15-metre cascade where the water plunges over a rock face into a clear, natural plunge pool below . The surrounding forest creates a cool, refreshing microclimate, and the air is filled with the sound of rushing water and the songs of birds . As you stand at the base of the falls, you will feel the invigorating spray on your face, a welcome reward after the hike. The highlight of the experience for many is the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear pool at the foot of the waterfall . The mist rising from the falls often creates small rainbows, making it a paradise for photographers . As a bonus, there is a spectacular overlook point at the top of the falls granting you a glorious view over the expansive Kerio Valley .
The Kessup Forest and the Hiking Trail
The heart of Kessup Falls is its location within the pristine Kessup Forest, on the step of the Elgeyo Escarpment . On a Kenya safari tours, you cannot understand this site without appreciating its setting. The hike to the falls is the main experience, taking you through a varied landscape of scrubland, farmlands, and dense forest patches . The approximately 6-km round-trip trail begins near Kessup village at an altitude of 1,940 meters and gradually ascends to 2,160 meters . The hike is considered moderate, taking about 3 hours, with a total ascent of +450 meters . Some parts are steep, so sturdy shoes and good fitness are recommended . The forest is a mosaic of indigenous greenery, interspersed with East African Cypress, Pine, and Gumtree plantations . Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as vibrant families of primates including Colobus and Diademed monkeys, as well as countless endemic and non-endemic bird species .
The Scenic Diversity and Cultural Touchpoints
The trail to Kessup Falls offers more than just a trek to a waterfall. On a Kenya safari tours, you will experience scenic diversity, transitioning from open farmland to dense forest, each step offering a new visual treat . You will also encounter cultural touchpoints, as interactions with villagers along the trail give you a glimpse into local life . The falls are situated 5 km south of the famous Iten Viewpoint, which is a great place to start your adventure and take in the stunning views of the escarpment . On a Kenya safari tours, the combination of cascading water, lush forest, and abundant wildlife makes for an enchanting stop.
Best Time to Visit Kessup Falls on Kenya Safari Tours
The best time for a Kenya safari tours to visit Kessup Falls is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to February, when the hiking trails are less muddy and easier to navigate . The falls are at their most powerful during and just after the rainy seasons (March to May and October to December). The site is accessible year-round, but the weather is more pleasant during the drier months. The most comfortable time of year to visit the region is between June and August, when the rains have ended and the temperatures are not excessive .
How to Get to Kessup Falls on Kenya Safari Tours
On a Kenya safari tours, Kessup Falls is very easy to reach from Iten, the "Home of Champions" in Elgeyo-Marakwet County . It is located just 5 to 7 kilometers south of Iten town via the A104 road . From Iten, drive south on the A104 for about 7 km to Kessup village, then turn left at the junction and continue for 3 km on a dirt road . A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the dirt road . Alternatively, you can take a matatu from Iten to Kessup village for around 100 KES and then walk 20 minutes to the trailhead . The falls are also accessible from Kamariny . Many travelers on a Kenya safari tours visit the falls as a perfect day trip from Eldoret or Iten.
Where to Stay on Kenya Safari Tours near Kessup Falls
On a Kenya safari tours, the best bases for visiting Kessup Falls are Iten or Eldoret. Iten is the closest town and offers a range of accommodation options, including the Kerio View Hotel, which is perched on the edge of the escarpment with stunning views . Eldoret, the major city in the region, provides a wider range of options for all budgets . Many tour operators offer day excursions from Eldoret that combine a visit to Kessup Falls with other attractions like Rimoi National Reserve and the Kerio Valley .
Why Book with Dav Safaris for Kenya Safari Tours
Booking your Kenya safari tours with Dav Safaris ensures that your visit to Kessup Falls is a safe and enriching experience. Our local guides are experts on the region and can lead you down the best paths to the base of the falls, ensuring you have a memorable and secure journey. On a Kenya safari tours with Dav Safaris, we handle everything, including your transport from Eldoret or Iten, entry fees, and a guided hike. You can combine a visit to Kessup Falls with a trip to the nearby Torok Falls, the Kerio Valley viewpoint, Rimoi National Reserve, or a cultural tour of the region. You focus on the thundering water, the breathtaking views, and the wild beauty of the Elgeyo Escarpment. We handle everything else on your Kenya safari tours.
