This is a short drive from the heart of Nairobi, Kiambethu Farm at Limuru provides a tranquil insight into life on a settler farm. Situated at an altitude of about 7,200 ft., Kiambethu tea farm was bought and farmed by AB McDonell back in 1910. He was a pioneer in the tea industry being one of the first to make and sell tea commercially in Kenya – which is 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 farm house is set within beautiful gardens surrounded by acres of tea and indigenous forest – a home to the Colobus monkey.
On this day you are picked by our driver at around 8. 30a.m from your Nairobi hotel and arrive at the farm a few minutes before 11a.m. You will be welcome to share a cup of tea or coffee as the history of the farm and process of making tea is informally explained, followed by an opportunity to see tea in the field.
Thereafter take a walk in the indigenous forest with our resident Kenyan guide who will identify the plants and explain how they are traditionally used. In the process don’t forget to look out for the Colobus 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 verandah with sweeping views across the tea fields to the Ngong Hills. Lunch is served about 1pm and is a three course buffet lunch from their set menu prepared with vegetables from the garden and desserts are topped with cream from their herd of Channel Island cows.