
1 / 10Private Day Trip to Kiambethu Tea Farm in Limuru from Nairobi
About this activity
Visit Kiambethu Tea Farm, a historic 1910s settler estate in the Limuru highlands where Kenya's commercial tea industry began. This 6-hour private tour from Nairobi combines immersive farm experiences with tastings of estate-grown tea, guided by the family that pioneered Kenyan tea production.
Just a short drive from the heart of Nairobi, this 6 hour private tour takes you to Kiambethu Farm at Limuru, which provides a tranquil insight into life on a settler farm. Situated at 7,200 ft, Kiambethu was bought and farmed by AB McDonell in 1910. He was the first person to grow, make and sell tea commercially in Kenya - now one of Kenya’s biggest exports, which now you will have a chance to taste. Five generations have lived on the farm and it is currently run by his granddaughter Fiona Vernon.
Highlights
- ✓Walk through working tea gardens at 7,200 ft elevation with panoramic views
- ✓Learn tea processing firsthand from harvest to cup
- ✓Taste single-origin Kiambethu teas in a colonial-era farmhouse setting
- ✓Explore five generations of farming heritage on a family-run estate
- ✓Enjoy traditional Kenyan refreshments and light meals on the property
Insider tips
- ★Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers—the highland altitude means cooler temperatures and afternoon mist, even on sunny mornings
- ★Ask about the farm's seasonal tea flush times (March–April and September–October) for the best leaf quality and most active picking activity
- ★The drive from Nairobi is straightforward but book early morning departures to maximize daylight on the farm
Good to know
- •Private tour includes dedicated transportation from Nairobi; total duration is 6 hours including travel time
- •Farm location at elevation may feel cooler than Nairobi—bring a light jacket
- •Light meals and tea tastings are included; confirm any dietary requirements when booking
- •Uneven terrain on tea gardens; moderate fitness helpful but not strenuous
Who it's for
Best time to visit
Visit during the main tea harvest seasons (March–April or September–October) to see active picking and processing. Morning departures are ideal to avoid afternoon cloud cover on the highlands.











