If you are looking for a scenic drive, want to catch up with your girls or loved ones and have about 4,000/= to spare then the Kiambethu Tea farm is a lovely option to consider.
The farm is situated about 30km from Nairobi in Limuru.
The tour start at 11:00AM with the host, Fiona, explaining the history of the farm. She is a 3rd generation owner, her grandfather having bought the farm in 1907. (“Bought” doing a lot of heavy lifting because it was during the settler colonial era.)
We went in June, which would have been a rookie mistake in previous years because that’s when the cold season starts. But thanks to global warming, it was bearably chilly.
After the history lesson by the tea bushes, we headed to the house for tea and bitings. Here, she explained further how the tea is processed and packaged. Further, she explained how tea exports to different countries differ depending on how different nationalities like their tea. It was very interesting to learn.
Adjacent to the tea farm is an indigenous forest with a host of medicinal plants. Of importance is this 100 year old tree that is indigenous to India and was brought here by the rail road workers.
After the forest tour, it was now time for lunch. The food was mid but the company more than made up for it. The wine was good though.
The ice cream was absolutely delicious, it was creamy and rich *chef’s kiss*
After lunch the farm hand took us around, again. He has been here for a long time, having married and gotten his kids while here. He has grandchildren now. We also met other workers whose children also work in the farm. A multi generational farm in every way.
I grew up in a tea farm in Mundoro, Gatundu. I was raised there by my grandmother in my early years, therefore, this whole tour brought back memories for me.