Nestled in the scenic highlands of Iten, a town globally celebrated as the “Home of Champions,” lies one of Kenya’s most breathtaking hidden gems: Kessup Waterfall. While Iten is famous for producing world-class long-distance runners thanks to its high altitude and cool climate, the area also offers stunning natural attractions that many visitors overlook.
Located about 36 kilometers from Eldoret via the scenic Eldoret–Iten Road, the journey to Iten winds through rolling farms, forests, and steep escarpments before reaching elevations of up to 2,744 meters above sea level. This high-altitude environment has made Iten a global destination for elite athletic training camps and endurance sports.
Hidden within the northern section of the lush Kaptagat Forest, part of the larger Kessup Forest ecosystem, Kessup Falls plunges dramatically toward the breathtaking Kerio Valley below. Beyond its picturesque beauty, the waterfall offers an adventurous hiking experience, peaceful nature trails, and a refreshing escape for both athletes and travelers exploring Kenya’s Rift Valley highlands.
While it’s the perfect waterfall for hiking, much like Camp Ndunda Falls in Embu, Kessup is untouched and retains its natural elegance through the Kessup forest. Often described as a “storybook” destination, Kessup Falls combines rugged landscapes, cool forest air, and panoramic valley views, making it one of the most unique attractions near Iten.
The Dark Legend Behind the “Valleys of Death”
Beyond the breathtaking beauty of the Elgeyo Escarpment lies a haunting history that many modern travel guides rarely mention. According to local folklore, these dramatic cliffs were once both respected and feared by nearby communities. Stories passed down through generations claim that barren or unmarried women were sometimes cast away to the escarpment, as they were viewed as a burden or a sign of misfortune.
The region’s harsh cold, steep terrain, and dangerous wildlife made survival extremely difficult, giving rise to the chilling nickname “Valleys of Death.” While the stories remain part of local oral history, today the once-feared landscape has transformed into a destination admired for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views over the Kerio Valley. Tourism and conservation efforts are now helping redefine the escarpment as one of Kenya’s most remarkable natural attractions.
Updated Entry Fees and Travel Logistics (2026)
Visitors planning a trip to Kessup Falls should familiarize themselves with the official Kenya Forest Service (KFS) access charges to avoid inflated prices from unauthorized guides or middlemen.
Forest Access Fees (Per Day)
Kenyan Citizens: KES 200
East African Residents: KES 400
Non-Residents: KES 600
Camping Fees
Camping within the forest area costs KES 650 per person per night, regardless of visitor category.
How to Get There
Travelers from Eldoret can board a matatu to Iten, a scenic 36-kilometer journey that typically costs around KES 100. From Iten town, Kessup Village lies about 5 to 7 kilometers to the south. Once you arrive in the village, you can either hike to the waterfall trailhead or hire a motorcycle taxi for easier access to the starting point.
ViewPoint Cafe Iten Town – Hike Planning
Iten town was buzzing with athletes when we arrived, all trying to clock their best time in the morning fog. I was here to hike and was already intimidated by the caliber of athletes.
We stopped at Kerio Valley Viewpoint, a famous landmark in Iten, and had a well-deserved steaming cup of tea (it was 11°C) at View Point Café as we planned our hiking route. I must admit, the view from View Point Cafe is breathtaking. In the morning sun, it is possible to have a clear view of Lake Kamnarok, which lies on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo County.
The Trek Down Iten –Kessup Road
After enjoying the expansive views and failing to decide on the day’s activities, we started walking down the road, hoping to stumble upon an exciting trail that led to nowhere. After walking 5 km along the road, we reached Kessup Village. Right in front of us was the magnificent Kessup Falls, thundering down the hill. July has been a cold, rainy month, and the waterfall was a sight to behold right from the road. So, we decided to check out the falls before continuing our hike down the valley.
We walked into one of the shops and asked for directions to the falls. At this point, the hike took an unexpected turn. Ideally, you’ll need to access Kessup Falls from the foot of the waterfall. That’s right next to AIC Kessup (African Inland Church) or a short trail from Kessup Falls Resort.
My sister and I must have gotten the directions wrong and took a different trail that passed behind the shopping center into a small settlement at the foot of the hill. Going up the hill towards the waterfall, we met Julius. Like the clueless tourists we were, we asked once more for directions to the waterfall.
The Unofficial Kessup Waterfall Plumber’s Trail
Julius leads us through a bean farm and into a forest trail. The hills are filled with indigenous trees, and the path looks like something out of NAT GEO’s Amazon escapades. We also notice bundles of water pipes going up the hill. And Julius quickly explains to us that the pipes feed off the mouth of the waterfall into individual homes, hence the unofficial tag “the plumber’s trail.”
“Just go straight, and when you get to the pipes, turn right,” Julius explains. “Watch out for monkeys, too,” he added.
We look ahead, and the trail seems scary. It’s narrower and thicker as we hike up. Julius had mumbled something about a man falling to his death a few days ago on the edge of Kessup waterfall. He’d gone to fix a loose water pipe that ran down from the waterfall into someone’s home.
We ask Julius to be our guide up the falls. He’s very excited about the offer, and for a split second, I start to doubt if anyone has died on the trail recently. He called his young brother Kosgei, who showed up holding a machete. Kosgei looked younger and more agile than Julius, and after a few minutes on the overgrown path, we concluded that Kosgei knew the trails better.
Going up is not a walk in the park. The trail is muddy and slippery, winding along the edge of the hill, which turned out to be steeper than anticipated. It was also untouched, and the thicket was growing back, which meant not many people used this route.
“Why don’t the locals visit Kessup waterfall more often?” I asked. “The waterfall is quite popular, but this is an unofficial trail, only used by plumbers fixing the water pipes up on the waterfall,” Kosgei answered.
Majestic Canopied River with Magnificent Natural Pools
It then dawned on me that Julius might have been serious about the man who’d died a couple of days earlier. Looking ahead, I noticed the trail getting more dangerous as we hiked up. I wouldn’t recommend anyone use this trail up the falls since dozens of sections are steep and slippery. One mistake, and you’ll be falling 2,000 meters below.
After 50 minutes of hiking through the dangerous trail (I cursed a dozen times about why I made this trip), we were finally at the top. There wasn’t much to see; the rapids were intense, and every second on the ledge felt like we were risking our lives.
Kosgei wanted us to cross the river to the other side of the falls, and I felt that was a suicide mission and politely declined. We were satisfied with the trail and asked if there was another route up the hill back to Iten town (there was no way I was going back down that steep, slippery trail). We followed the river up. This trail was manageable and quite fascinating. It wasn’t steep, and the scenes looked like something out of a mystic storybook.
All that sweat and worry finally paid off. Two other waterfalls up this trail drained into a pool covered by trees. It was almost like what I had seen at Ndare Ngare in Nanyuki, but it had a jungle feel. The forest canopy covered the entire skyline over the waterfall. It is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen, much like what my colleague Mercy describes her experience at Mt. Kasigau was. We stood there for a couple of minutes, just watching the water pour into Mother Nature’s pool.
Later, we crossed a pole bridge and got onto an all-weather road that leads back into Iten, but back through C51 Eldoret—Iten Road. It was 3 p.m., and after surviving one of the most dangerous excursions in my life, I was looking forward to a heavy lunch and a Matatu ride back home.
Danger and Safety Tips (Plumber’s Trail)
A few safety tips for visitors hiking Kessup Falls. The trail leading to the base of Kessup Falls can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. Parts of the path are narrow, overgrown, steep, and extremely slippery, requiring hikers to move carefully along the escarpment.
- The Danger: The trail is narrow, overgrown, and extremely slippery. Local guides like Julius and Kosgei recount stories of men falling to their deaths while attempting to fix loose pipes on these sheer ledges.
- Pro Tip: If you attempt the final descent to the base during the rainy season, a 20-meter rope is highly recommended for safety. Many hikers find it safer to remove their shoes entirely to get a better grip on the muddy trails.
Best Time to Visit Kessup Falls
Although Kessup Falls can be visited year-round, the experience varies greatly depending on the season and weather conditions.
Peak Waterfall Experience (April to June)
During the rainy months, both Kessup Falls and nearby Torok Falls are at their most dramatic. Powerful water flow, rising mist, and lush green forest scenery create a breathtaking atmosphere, making this the best time for photography and nature lovers.
Best Hiking Conditions (July to August)
For hikers, July and August are considered the most comfortable months to visit. By this time, the heavy rains have usually eased, leaving cooler temperatures between 18°C and 26°C and safer, less slippery trails.
Dry Season Conditions
At the peak of the dry season, water levels can drop significantly, and parts of the waterfall may reduce to small streams. However, the escarpment views and forest scenery still make the hike worthwhile.
Beyond the Waterfall: Hidden Pools and Wildlife
The surrounding Kessup Forest features a rich mix of indigenous forest, East African cypress, and pine plantations, creating a cool and peaceful environment for hikers and campers.
Further upstream from the main waterfall, visitors can discover secluded natural pools hidden beneath dense forest cover. Often described by hikers as “Mother Nature’s Pool,” these emerald-green basins offer a jungle-like atmosphere similar to the famous Ndare Ngare Forest pools in Nanyuki.
The forest is also home to diverse wildlife and bird species. Visitors may spot Colobus monkeys, Diademed monkeys, and hear the distinctive calls of hornbills echoing through the canopy. Rare animals such as the Striped Polecat and the endangered Bongo are also believed to inhabit parts of these highland forests.
Nearby Attractions Around Kessup Falls
To make the most of your visit to Iten, consider exploring several nearby attractions that showcase the region’s beauty and adventure.
Torok Falls
Located about 5 kilometers south of Kessup Falls, Torok Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the area, featuring a dramatic 200-meter vertical drop into the escarpment below.
Chebloch Gorge
This striking 20-meter-deep gorge was carved through hard basalt rock by the Kerio River over thousands of years. Visitors can also witness the famous “Kerio Divers” jumping from the cliffs into the waters below, a thrilling local attraction that draws adventurous travelers.
Keiyo Gardens
After a long hike, Keiyo Gardens offers a relaxing environment where visitors can unwind, enjoy local cuisine, and take in the cool highland atmosphere.
View Point Café
Known for its panoramic escarpment views, this café is a favorite stop for travelers seeking a warm cup of tea while overlooking the distant Lake Kamnarok and the scenic Tugen Hills.
Insider Safety Tips and Visitor Etiquette
When hiking through the forest, always keep your official Kenya Forest Service (KFS) payment receipts, as forest rangers may occasionally request proof of payment at various checkpoints.
The trek to and around Kessup Falls can be physically demanding, with hikers covering roughly 4.6 kilometers and ascending about 450 meters in elevation. Depending on pace and trail conditions, the hike can burn an estimated 770 calories, making it both an adventure and a fitness challenge.
For visitors planning an overnight stay in Iten, accommodation options range from budget-friendly lodges such as Comfy Inn to resorts like Kilima Resort, which is within walking distance of the popular Iten Resting Garden.
About the Author
Charles Sifwabi is a Kenyan freelance writer, journalist, and digital content creator known for his engaging storytelling and deep understanding of Kenyan lifestyle, travel, and automotive culture. As a contributor to ReachTheDodo, he has built a reputation for producing informative, reader-friendly articles that blend practical insights with compelling narratives.
His work spans a wide range of topics, including automotive reviews, tech, and travel guides highlighting destinations across Kenya, such as Kilifi and Eldoret. Charles also covers entertainment, fashion, and celebrity news, showcasing his versatility as a lifestyle writer with a strong connection to contemporary Kenyan culture.
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