1-Day Kiambethu Tea Farm Tour

Just a short drive from the bustling heart of Nairobi, a Kiambethu Tea Farm tour in Limuru provides visitors with a serene escape into the tranquil world of a historic settler farm. Located 7,200 feet above sea level, Kiambethu was established in 1910 by AB McDonell, a pioneer of the Kenyan tea industry. As one of the first farms in Kenya to grow, make, and sell tea commercially, Kiambethu has played a significant role in developing what is now one of the country’s largest exports. The farm is currently run by his granddaughter, Fiona Vernon, continuing a five-generation legacy.

Surrounded by acres of lush tea fields and an indigenous forest home to the Colobus monkeys, the farmhouse offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era, beautifully preserved within vibrant gardens.

Tour Highlights

Historic Farm Experience: Explore the heritage of Kiambethu, one of Kenya’s oldest tea farms, founded in 1910.
Tea Making Insight: Learn about the tea-making process, from field to cup, with a personal introduction from Fiona, a 5th-generation tea farmer.
Indigenous Forest Walk: Take a guided walk through a lush forest and discover native plants and their traditional uses.
Colobus Monkeys Sighting: Spot the iconic black-and-white Colobus monkeys in their natural habitat.
Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the tea fields and Ngong Hills while relaxing on the farmhouse verandah.
Farm-to-Table Lunch: Enjoy a three-course buffet lunch with fresh ingredients from the farm’s garden and homemade cream from Channel Island cows.
Children under 12: Half price
Tours available: Thursday to Sunday, starting at 11:00 AM

Tour Details

Join us for a unique lunchtime experience at this historic farm, available from Thursday to Sunday each week. You’ll gain fascinating insights into both the history of the farm and the tea-making process that AB McDonell helped pioneer over a century ago.

Arrival (11:00 AM)
Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee as Fiona gives an informal introduction to the farm’s rich history. You’ll also learn about the tea-making process that has been refined over five generations.
Tea Field and Forest Walk
Afterward, explore the scenic tea fields before taking a guided walk through the indigenous forest. Our resident Kenyan guide will introduce you to the native plants and their traditional uses, while you enjoy spotting the beautiful Colobus monkeys swinging through the trees. The surrounding gardens are also teeming with vibrant birdlife and colorful flowers.
Pre-Lunch Drinks with a View
Return to the farmhouse and relax on the verandah with a refreshing pre-lunch drink. Take in the stunning views across the tea fields towards the iconic Ngong Hills as you unwind in this peaceful setting.
Lunch (1:00 PM)
A three-course buffet lunch awaits, prepared using fresh vegetables from the farm’s own garden. Desserts are a special treat, served with cream from the farm's Channel Island cows, making the meal a true farm-to-table experience.