Camp Ndunda Falls Embu: Everything You Need to Know

Embu doesn’t get a lot of credit for being a tourist destination, but if you find joy in traveling through Kenya, you’ve probably heard all the great things about Camp Ndunda Falls Embu. It’s one of those hidden gems that never get commercially sold to travelers (for whatever reasons), but my experience there was out of this world. If possible, I’d like to visit this amazing destination in Embu County again after the rains and experience the full glory of Camp Ndunda in Embu.

Have you ever heard of the Mount Kenya region? It’s more than the name, and it covers more than the mountain surface. The Mount Kenya region is a vast landscape that enjoys the natural resources of the mountains—agriculture, water bodies, forests, wildlife, and more.

Camp Ndunda Falls is undeniably one of the most scenic places in Kenya. The scenery and beauty of this camp are refreshing and rejuvenating, only coming close to Ndare Ngare Forest in Nanyuki—the Turkish water pits are hard to beat. Still, these two destinations in Kenya have close to the same setup, with Camp Nduda having an identical canopy walk to Ndare Ngare (but without elephants).

Camp Ndunda Falls Embu Location

Camp Ndunda Falls is located in Embu County, off the busy Embu—Meru Highway, 140 kilometers from Nairobi. The campsite is in Njukiri Forest, Embu, approximately 8 kilometers from Embu town center (off Kibugu Road). The camp is located on the bank of River Rupingazi, a beneficiary of Mount Kenya.

And that only means one thing – you get to enjoy the majestic all-season fresh, clean water that finds its way down from the snow-peaked Kenyan mountain. You’ll love the cool breeze and the natural jungle ambiance with trees, birds, and thick-trailed bushes.

Due to Camp Ndunda’s close location to Nairobi (140 kilometers/ 2 hours 30 minutes drive), it’s the perfect spot for a day trip. It was one of those spontaneous decisions that gave me that golden opportunity to visit this amazing destination in Embu County.

You can also get to Camp Ndunda via public transportation (it’s cheaper). All you need to do is get a shuttle van from Nairobi CBD, which costs about KES 500, depending on the company. Alight at Embu Town and get another Matatu (Van Taxi) to Camp Ndunda Falls ( KES 100).

PS: The Matatus (Taxi Vans) won’t get you inside the premises of Camp Ndunda Falls. They will drop you at a bus stage that’s close to the premises. Don’t worry. It’s a short walk to the main gate – nothing compared to the trek you’ll experience inside.

In case you’ve never heard of Camp Ndunda Falls, I’m going to highlight some of the fun activities you can indulge in once you get to this little haven.

If it’s not on your bucket list, please stop for a second and add it. You’ll surely enjoy your time here.

Camp Ndunda Falls Entrance Fee

To help keep the place up to standard and maintain the attraction that attracts so many explorers, Camp Ndunda charges a small fee for activities and an entrance fee at the gate. Adults visiting Camp Ndunda Falls are required to pay an entrance fee of KES 350, while students and children only pay KES 250.

The entrance fee at the gate of the premises will give you access to the main attractions at Camp Ndunda Falls: the scenic Waterfall, Camping grounds, Picnic Sites, a Nature trail, and, best of all, the Canopy Walk.

Camp Ndunda Falls Embu Activities and Prices

There are tons of activities at Camp Ndunda Falls Embu to keep you occupied throughout your visit. The campsite offers a host of fun and exciting activities for its guests. What’s more, there are conference facilities and accommodations for guests who want to take in nature for more than one day.

Camp Ndunda Falls Embu is an outdoor adventure campsite that’s earned a reputation for taking its visitors off the road and placing them in a space where they get to enjoy everything that nature offers—in a surreal, purely natural environment.

Some of the fun activities at Camp Ndunda Falls Embu include:

Ziplining At Camp Ndunda

Camp Ndunda Falls has one of the most breathtaking Ziplining activities in Kenya. The establishment features two ziplines ( 250 meters) that snake across the breathtaking Rupingazi River, meandering through the thick Njukiri Forest in Embu. Adrenaline junkies experience the thrill of zapping through the trees and over the river rapids.

Camp Ndunda Ziplining Charges: KES 1,000 per person.

Camp Ndunda Wildswing

Well, if you had a wild experience as a child at the playground monkey hopping on swings, Camp Ndunda Falls offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience at their famous Wildswing. Picture George of The Jungle hopping from one tree to the other – that’s exactly what you’ll get at Camp Ndunda, but with a lot more safety measures to ensure you don’t zap into a tree.

Camp Ndunda Wildswing Charges: KES 500 per person.

Bush Diner

This is exclusively for those looking to stay over until dinner time to experience the dramatic sunset in the bush while enjoying an authentic bush dinner served at Camp Ndunda Falls. You really haven’t experienced Africa without enjoying some bush dinner while you listen, smell, and feel wild nature awaken at the fall of darkness—it’s truly magical.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not deep in the forest but on the camping sites. I must admit, the setup is to die for. The establishment sets up A-frame open structures with mats on the ground, tiny artsy stools, flowers, lights to set the mood, and a tiny square pouch for you and your loved one.

Archery

In case you want to try shooting with a bow and arrow, Camp Ndunda Falls offers an Archery session that also includes a training session. You won’t be shooting at what nature offers but a target bull’s eye. Here, you can release your wild side medieval self and let your inner killer shot instincts kick in. It’s a favorite pastime at the campsite and makes for a great way to network with other visitors and staff.

Archery at Camp Ndunda Charges: KES 350.

Mud Fun

Some of us didn’t get enough time to be kids—we grew up in the city, and the Mud Fun session at Camp Ndunda Falls gave us a chance to relive the pleasures of being a child and carefree. You’ll need to get a friend or tag along a date to enjoy this activity.

For those traveling alone, this activity can be the perfect ice breaker for networking with other visitors at the campsite. Getting dirty and being playful can break walls and strengthen relationships, especially with couples and acquaintances.

Mud Fun Charges at Camp Ndunda Falls: KES 500.

Canopy Walk

Perhaps the best thing you want to do when you visit Camp Ndunda Falls in Embu is to take in nature. Especially for visitors living in cities. And what better way to be one with nature than taking a walk in an authentic forest?

This is a must activity in Camp Ndunda and one I will always cherish. The Canopy walk stretches high through the forest trees, giving the perfect vantage point of the waterfalls. It’s 35 meters high and stretches through the forest for 150 meters.

This is no fancy pansy canopy walk. It’s made with ropes and wood and can get a little wobbly if you’re clumsy. Those who have a fear of heights will have the best time overcoming their fear by watching the huge rocks below.

The Canopy Walk at Camp Ndunda is free of charge.

Camp Ndunda Nature Trail

There’s something about nature and lush greenery that replenishes your soul and gives you more strength to take on life with a stronger mindset. A walk in the forest will revitalize your mind and give you so much peace you’ll leave the campsite refreshed.

You’ll get the chance to explore an authentic African forest, listen to sounds, check out the sights, and take in nature’s best gift to humans. There are hundreds of birds, fast-feeding insects (wild butterflies), and bees. Yes, the forest has African bees.

PS: It goes without saying that you shouldn’t visit Camp Ndunda trails with fancy shoes—it’s a forested area with a lot of rain throughout the year, and as a result, it can get a little muddy. Carry an extra set of hiking boots to get the most out of the experience.

Swimming At the Waterfalls

There’s nothing as magical as swimming in a natural river overlooking a waterfall. It’s quite breathtaking to cool off after a long hike and take a dip as water gushes and thunders into nature’s swimming pool.

Be careful, and don’t get too adventurous—this is a natural forest, and the rocks and stones are quite slippery. The natural pool is 23 meters deep, and according to our guide at Camp Ndunda, it gets deeper with each rainy season as the water thunders up from the waterfall and drills the ground.

Swimming at Camp Ndunda is free.

Other Activities at Camp Ndunda

There are many fun activities at Camp Ndunda Falls. Although I didn’t get to experience them all during my visit because it was a day trip, other activities included team building, water upthrust, forest biking for kids, rock climbing, and even an excursion to Mount Kenya.

Accommodation at Camp Ndunda

For nature lovers, Camp Ndunda Falls offers several types of accommodation, including camping, cabins, huts, and tents.

Camping at Camp Ndunda

Well, if there were a perfect place to camp in the wild, it would be a natural forest. It’s the perfect way to experience and be one with nature. Camp Ndunda offers a wide range of camping experiences.

The establishment at Camp Ndunda features several camping areas and facilities for avid outdoor buffs. Visitors can bring their own tent for a cheaper camping rate. The camping ground offers all amenities, including toilets, clean running water (and showers), kitchen areas, and fire pits.

Camp Ndunda Camping Charges

• Camping with own tent: KES 850
• Camping with premises tents and bedding: KES 1,500
• Camping and Breakfast: KES 2,000
• Camping Half board: KES 3,000
• Camping Full board: KES 4,000

Camp Ndunda Cottages and Cabins

Camp Ndunda features one—and two-bedroom cottage units for guests who don’t want to camp but still want to enjoy nature from the comfort of a warm cabin or cottage. These units can host up to 10 People.

Charges: A cabin for two with bed and breakfast costs KES 6,500 (Half board KES 9,500, Full Board KES 12,500).

Camp Ndunda African Huts

If you’ve never had an authentic hut experience, then Camp Ndunda Embu gives you the perfect chance to spend a night in the wild in a hut. These huts are your traditional African-built units with grass-thatched roofs and mud walls. Here’s the kicker. They also have electricity, a hot shower, and a cozy modern bed.

Charges: Hut for two with bed and breakfast KES 4,500 (Half board KES 7,500, Full board KES 10,500). Four people sharing KES 12,000.

Tippees

Tippees are a mix of A-Frame units and hobit-looking accommodations at Camp Ndunda Falls. They are woodengrass-thatched units with a comfy, foresty vibe, perfect for individuals looking for a dreamy night in the forest to remember.

Charges: Tippees for two bed and breakfast KES 5,500 (Half board KES 8,500, Fullnboard KES 11,500).

Camp Ndunda Falls Embu Restaurant

Well, if you are going to take a long hike in a forest, you’ll need something to eat at the end of the day. Camp Ndunda Falls has an amazing restaurant with an exciting, artsy ambiance filled with color. Guests at this establishment can enjoy some mouthwatering food from a continental menu.

PS: You need to order in advance to get your food ready. The establishment’s menu is by order, and preparing your food in advance will save you a lot of time waiting for your dish at the table.

Camp Ndunda Embu Operating Hours: Daily 8 am – 11 pm.

Camp Ndunda Falls Embu Contact: (+254) 745 307 770; (+254) 798 884 410. Email: bookings@campndunda.com.