The Athi-Galana-Sabaki River is the second longest river in Kenya after the Tana River. It stretches for about 390 kilometers (240 miles) and drains an area of roughly 70,000 square kilometers (27,000 square miles). The river is also called the Sabaki River. It begins in the Gatamaiyo Forest in the central highlands and flows all the way to the Indian Ocean.
In its upper section, the river is known as the Athi River. It flows through Kapote and the Athi Plains, passing Athi River Township before turning northeast to meet the Nairobi River. Near Thika, it creates fourteen beautiful waterfalls before changing direction to the south-southeast. Here, it runs along the wooded slopes of the Yatta Plateau, a long volcanic ridge that shapes the eastern basin.
Further downstream, the Tsavo River joins it. The Tsavo begins on the eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, flows east, and in its lower reaches is called the Sabaki River. This section cuts through rugged quartz plains and the open lowlands, giving the landscape a wild and remote feel.
The Galana River Valley is generally low and flat, covered with forest and thick vegetation. Scattered within the valley are small lakes and seasonal channels that link to the main river during the rains. In the rainy season, the water level can rise by as much as 10 meters in some places. The river then flows strongly and turns a yellowish color due to soil washed downstream.
One of the major features along the river is Lugard Falls. These are not tall waterfalls but a series of powerful rapids that block navigation. The river squeezes through narrow channels in the rock, creating fast, churning water. This makes boat travel impossible along this section.
From here, the river continues eastward toward the coast. It eventually empties into the Indian Ocean about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of Malindi. The mouth of the river is an important area for fishing and supports both local communities and wildlife.
The Galana River plays a key role in Kenya’s environment and economy. It supports agriculture, provides water for wildlife in Tsavo East National Park, and serves as a natural link between the highlands and the coastal region.
