Agro-tourism in Kenya offers a delightful blend of agriculture and tourism, allowing visitors to explore working farms, participate in farming activities, and gain insights into local culture. Tea tourism is one of the most recent and enjoyable magical Kenya experiences. From the pioneering purple tea farm of Gatura Greens to the historic tea estate of Kiambethu and the picturesque tea plantations of Kericho, prepare to be whisked away on a sensory adventure unlike any other.
Gatura Greens
Have you ever heard of purple tea? The premier purple tea farm. Established in 1958, the Kinyanjui Family, proprietors of Gatura Greens, is one of the first Kenyan families to get into tea farming. The farm was also the first commercial purple tea farm, started in 2008.
Gatura Greens is an agro-tourism child of the Kinyanjui family that offers an extensive tour of the farm, with information regarding tea farming, purple tea, and orthodox tea processing in a well-thought-out itinerary throughout the day. The farm is in Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a county, at the foot of the Aberdare ranges.
The itinerary consists of a warm breakfast treat of hot purple tea and homemade tea-infused scones and an introduction before setting out to the farm for tea picking, followed by hands-on processing session tours and a unique tea tasting session. The day is broken down into small chunks with breaks in between for the guests to take in the beauty of the lush, rolling hills, and just before lunch, the entourage goes for a brisk walk to the epic Kimakia waterfall, only accessible through the family land. Finally, you get to crown the day with a three-course farm-fresh meal prepared by the in-house chef.
The ticket fees cover the tour, meals, and an endless supply of the different types of tea available on the farm. Although the fees do not cover transport, the farm can connect you with a list of reliable drivers for safe transportation. At the end of the day, you get to shop for whatever farm product you liked throughout your experience and take your homemade tea as a complimentary. Known for its purple tea, Gatura Greens offers tea tasting and handpicking experiences.
The farm is kid—and pet-friendly, and you can bring a convenience meal or drink with you. If you wish to spend the night, Gatura Greens offers accommodation within the farmhouse and camping grounds (bring your equipment), with all facilities nearby. The grounds are also open for social events at a negotiable price.
Description: Gatura Greens’ experience
The farm is accessible by self-drive, taxi, or matatu from Thika town on Gatanga road-route C6. To book the experience, you can send a direct message on the farm’s Instagram page, email, or WhatsApp/call +254 703 988 795.
Kiambethu Tea Farm
Kiambethu Farm at Limuru is one of the oldest tea farms in Kenya. Established by AB McDonell in 1910, it has gone through five generations and is currently run by his granddaughter, Fiona Vernon.
credit: African Spice Safaris
The farm offers tours from Thursday to Sunday each week, starting at 11 am. The day begins with a warm welcome over a cup of tea and a brief farm history. The guests are later taken through the process of processing tea before taking a tour of the lush green tea fields. The farm’s Kenyan guide will later lead you into a nature walk in the indigenous forest attached to the grounds, and this might be a perfect opportunity to spot the Columbus monkey.
The day ends with a pre-lunch tea on the veranda, followed by a three-course meal. The farm is accessible by road through self-drive or matatus from Nairobi on Route 116 and a bodaboda on the last stretch. To book this experience, visit the farm’s website.
Kericho Tea Estates
Kericho is one of the greenest regions and a large producer of Kenyan tea, thanks to its rolling fields of green tea plantations. Driving through these tea plantations might be one of the most picturesque experiences in your tea tourism industry.
If you travel to the western part of Kenya, driving on the B1 road from Mau Summit to Kericho will spice up your experience. Starting with local tea vendors on the roadside, you get to experience the beauty of pure Kenyan tea. You could also stop and walk through the tea mazes. You should bring a raincoat and gum boots to cope with the possible rainfall.
Description: The beauty of Kericho
If you are interested in tea processing, you can get guidance from the locals and visit one of many factories scattered throughout the county. Alternatively, you can pop into the Chesumot Tea Plantation and enjoy a quiet evening camping by the water dam nestled with the plantations or spend the night in their guest house. You could also check into the guest houses within Kericho town, including Rays Place and The Crown Place. If you fancy an impromptu weekend, Kericho offers that!
Kenya is an agricultural powerhouse and the largest tea exporter in the world. What would beat learning about tea in Kenya other than a fun excursion to the hub of one of the world’s most beloved beverages?
Each destination offers a unique blend of history, Kenyan culture, and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable adventure for tea enthusiasts and curious travelers. Book your tour today and be blown away!
