Kiambethu Tea Farm is the pioneer of tea growing in Kenya and a commercial exporter of the commodity. The farm has held this tradition for over five generations.
Just a short drive from the heart of Nairobi, Kiambethu Farm at Limuru provides a tranquil insight into life on a settler farm.
Kiambethu was bought and farmed by AB McDonnell in 1910. He was a pioneer in the tea industry is one of the first to make and sell tea commercially in Kenya – now one of Kenya’s largest exports. Five generations have lived on the farm and it is currently run by his granddaughter Fiona Vernon. The farmhouse is set within beautiful gardens surrounded by acres of tea and indigenous forest – home to the Columbus monkey.
Arrive at 11:00 am and over a cup of tea or coffee, the history of the farm and the process of making tea is informally explained by an eloquent staff. Questions related to tea farming are asked and answered to keep the audience alert. This is followed by an opportunity to see tea in the field. You mingle with tea pickers as they show you the art of picking and sorting. By the end of the day, you will understand the whole process of tea farming up to the consumer – you being the consumer.
Then take a walk in the indigenous forest with our resident Kenyan guide who will identify the plants and explain how they are traditionally used. Look out for the Columbus monkeys close up and wander in the gardens which are home to a wide variety of birds and flowers.
Return to the house to enjoy a pre-lunch drink on the veranda with sweeping views across the tea fields to the Ngong Hills. Enjoy your three-course buffet lunch from our set menu prepared with vegetables from the garden and desserts are topped with cream from our herd of Channel Island cows.