See
Ndakaini Dam
Kanunga, Kenya
You wouldn't expect Nairobi's main water supply to be this beautiful. Ndakaini Dam sits quietly in the Gatundu highlands, surrounded by tea estates and patches of indigenous forest, doing its job of supplying millions with water while looking absolutely stunning.
The water is a deep teal that changes shade through the day — dark and moody in the morning, bright emerald when the sun hits it at noon, then back to deep blue as the afternoon clouds roll in from the Aberdares.
There's no tourist infrastructure at all. No entrance fee, no signs, no gift shop, no crowd. Just you, the water, and the surrounding hills with their neat rows of tea bushes. Bring a packed lunch and find a spot on the grassy banks.
It's the kind of place that makes you wonder why it's not famous — then you realise the lack of fame is exactly what makes it special.
Getting there
1.5hrs from Nairobi via Thika
Entry fee
Free
Best for photos
Early morning or late afternoon
Time needed
2–3 hours