An Afternoon at the Picturesque Kiambethu Tea Farm

Since we moved here a few years ago, visiting a tea farm in Kenya has been on my travel wish list. While I’ve been excited about this experience, Mark has harboured some reservations. But as we all know, the secret to a happy married life is a happy wife! Therefore, a visit to a tea farm was ultimately inevitable 🙂

While searching for a place to visit, I stumbled upon two tea farm tours – the Kiambethu Tea Farm and the Purple Tea Farm tour by Gatura Greens. Kiambethu Tea Farm was closer to us, so we visited it first.

Day trip in Nairobi Tea Farms in Limuru

Getting to Kiambethu Tea Farm in Kenya

The familiar journey to Kiambethu felt effortless that Sunday. We’d travelled this route countless times before, whether heading to weekend escapes beyond Nairobi or simply passing through for other reasons. The roads were wonderfully empty, allowing us to cover the distance in just 40 minutes.

Kiambethu Tea Farm Kenya Things to do in Nairobi

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Sarah, the granddaughter of our host and property owner, Fiona. One by one, the other guests trickled in until the group was complete, and with everyone assembled, Fiona began the tour with a lecture on the farm’s origins and tea plantations.

History of Kiambethu Tea Farm in Kenya

Kiambethu Farm’s story began in 1910 when AB McDonell purchased and cultivated the land and the legacy of this historic farm lives on through his granddaughter, Fiona Vernon. Today, the property, a lot smaller than it used to be, unfolds into vast tea plantations and patches of indigenous forest, creating a sanctuary for the distinctive Colobus monkeys that call this place home.

During the introduction, Fiona mentioned her grandfather’s arrival in Kenya, adding that she “wasn’t sure what brought him here” – possibly a joke that went over my head at the time.

The comment made me pause, given that Kenya was under British colonial rule then, with many settlers being drawn to establish agricultural ventures in the region; I found myself wishing for either a simple focus on the facts of his arrival or a more direct acknowledgement of the historical context.

Cows in Kenya Farmland

After the introductions, Fiona led us to a section of the farm where she explained how tea leaves are harvested and transported to tea factories, as well as all the administrative work that goes into the process.

Kiambethu Tea Farm in Kenya Day Tour
Team plantation in Kenya

A Lesson on Tea Production in Kenya

We learned that over 90% of harvested tea in Kenya is exported, with the bulk of that going to the UK. The irony wasn’t lost on us – if you’re hunting for the finest Kenyan tea blend, you might have better luck hopping on a flight to London than finding it locally!

Tea samples Kenya

Later, we went to the house where our hosts served steaming cups of tea (naturally) alongside plates of homemade treats, a perfect interlude before the next activity, which was a guided forest walk.

Guided Forest Walk…

Forest Tour Kiambethu Tea Farm

As we ventured into the woods, our guide revealed the forest’s secrets, stopping to identify medicinal herbs and gnarled roots that locals still gather for their traditional remedies. Above us, black and white Colobus monkeys swung gracefully through the canopy.

Tea Farm tour in Kenya
Forest in Limuru

At one point, Mark and I drifted away from the group, enjoying a peaceful stroll on our own before reuniting with everyone back at the house. Lunch awaited us – a delightful farm-to-table spread laid out buffet-style in the dining area of the house. We carried our plates outside to enjoy our meal in the garden.

Lunch at Kiambethu Tea Farm

As the afternoon wound down, we savoured our final moments at the farm, meandering through the garden one last time and capturing a few more photos among the pristine rows of tea bushes before bidding farewell to this slice of Kenyan countryside.

walking in the forest Kenya

In summary, I really enjoyed this day trip from the city. Our hosts were kind and welcoming and the lecture was insightful. I learned many new things about tea production in Kenya. Overall, I thought it was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Nairobi.

The Sum Up – Visiting a Tea Farm in Kenya

Planning a visit to Kiambethu Tea Farm? You can easily book your tour through their official website. Tours operate Thursday through Sunday, running from 11 am to 3 pm. Currently priced at 4,500 KSh per adult, with children under 12 paying half that price.

The farm offers an intimate glimpse into Kenya’s historic tea industry, making it a perfect day trip from Nairobi.

Tea Plantation in Nairobi

Have you been to Kiambethu Tea Farm or any other place around the world? I’d love to hear about it. Please leave a comment in the comment section below!

3 comments

  1. What a fantastic way to indulge in a day of tranquillity and tradition with a tour around Kiambethu Tea Farm. I love how the wonderful place is nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes and how it offers a captivating journey into the world of tea production. As a keen tea drinker, I would love to catch a captivating glimpse of meticulously manicured tea plantations 🙂 Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    1. Thanks, Aiva! It was indeed a beautiful way to spend the day. I’m not a big tea drinker myself, but I still enjoyed being out there.

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
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Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
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This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
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Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

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As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
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PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

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Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
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On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

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#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
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