Purple Tea Farm Tour from Nairobi with Tea Tasting & lunch

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines scenic landscapes, hands-on experiences, and a taste of Kenya’s unique purple tea, this tour from Nairobi promises quite the adventure. While it’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about actively engaging in tea cultivation and processing—you’ll also enjoy lush views, fresh farm air, and authentic farm-to-table cuisine.

What we particularly like about this experience is the chance to learn directly from knowledgeable hosts, pick your own tea leaves, and even make your own specialty tea to take home. The beautiful waterfall trek and the chance for a relaxed farm-fresh meal add a layer of adventure and comfort. That said, it’s a full-day activity, so it requires a good amount of energy and curiosity. Perfect for travelers eager to see a different side of Kenya, especially those curious about tea or farm life.

One thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include drinks at the meal or personal expenses—something to keep in mind if you plan to indulge beyond the included offerings. This trip suits those who appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences and enjoy scenic countryside escapes.

Key Points

• Authentic farm experience: Pick and make your own purple tea
• Scenic landscapes: Enjoy lush views and waterfall treks
• Educational: Learn about the history of tea farming from hosts
• Culinary highlight: Relish a 3-course farm-fresh meal
• Flexible options: Optional overnight stay at the farm
• Value for money: Combines multiple activities into one day, including tea tasting, making, and farm visits

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Kenyan Countryside on a Day Trip

This tour is a fantastic way to step outside Nairobi’s urban buzz and into the peaceful, rolling landscapes of Central Kenya. The journey from Nairobi takes about an hour or so — a comfortable drive that gets you into the heart of tea country, where the lush green vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. The farm in Gatanga is easy to reach, making it a convenient yet immersive escape.

The highlight is visiting the Gatura Greens farm, where the hosts serve welcoming tea and biscuits upon arrival. This sets a relaxed tone, and many reviews praise the informal storytelling about the farm’s history, making the experience feel personal rather than touristy. The hosts, whose names aren’t specified but are described as friendly and knowledgeable, give a lively introduction to the farm’s background, giving visitors insight into tea cultivation and processing.

The Purple Tea Experience: Picking and Making Your Own

The core activity involves picking purple tea leaves, which is both visually stunning and engaging. Purple tea, a rare variety, is celebrated for its unique hue and health benefits, making this a novel experience for many travelers. Guests have noted that the host demonstrates how to pick the tea properly, and the hands-on approach is quite appreciated—“You get to pick your own leaves and feel like a real tea farmer,” one review mentions.

After harvesting, you’ll learn how to turn raw leaves into your own specialty orthodox tea. This involves roasting, rolling by hand, and drying the leaves—an interactive process that adds a tangible dimension to your understanding of tea production. Several visitors have expressed how satisfying it was to see their own tea come together and take it home as a souvenir.

The Waterfall Trek and Bamboo Forest

After the tea adventure, a trek through a bamboo forest leads to a refreshing waterfall dip. This part of the tour offers more than just pretty views; it’s a cooling, invigorating break that makes the entire day feel balanced. The waterfall is a favorite for its stunning natural beauty and the chance for a quick swim. As one reviewer put it, “The scenery was breathtaking, and the waterfall was just the right amount of invigorating after a morning of tea work.”

The trek is accessible but requires a moderate level of fitness—certainly manageable for most travelers, but worth noting for those with mobility concerns.

Farm-Fresh Lunch and Relaxation

The tour culminates in a delightful 3-course meal served at the farm’s farmhouse. The meal is described as farm-fresh, simple, and satisfying—a real treat after a busy morning. While drinks at the meal are not included, guests often say the food hits the spot, especially when paired with the peaceful farm ambiance.

In the evening, a bonfire in the garden provides a cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and sharing stories of the day. Some travelers have noted that optional visits to the cottage factory are available, offering a deeper dive into specialty tea production.

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Accommodation and Flexibility

For those interested in extending their experience, overnight stays are possible at the farm—an ideal choice for travelers wanting to soak in the rural vibe longer or participate in additional activities like more tea processing or farm walks. The tour is flexible—you can choose to keep it as a day trip or opt for an overnight experience, which adds value and authenticity.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The price of $295 per person covers a comprehensive experience: hotel pickup and drop-off, arrival tea and biscuits, a detailed tea tasting, the tea picking and making activities, the farm-fresh 3-course meal, and the bonfire. This package offers excellent value, considering the multiple hands-on activities and scenic stops packed into one day.

However, personal expenses, drinks during the meal, and optional overnight accommodations are not included. It’s wise to bring some extra cash if you want to purchase souvenirs or additional drinks.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and trekking.
• Bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, especially during outdoor activities.
• Carry a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery and your tea-making moments.
• If you plan to stay overnight, ask about the accommodation options and further activities.
• Book in advance, as the tour operates with a flexible reservation system, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who seek authenticity and hands-on participation. If you’re curious about how tea is grown and processed, or simply want an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Kenya’s countryside, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate scenic walks, water features, and farm-fresh cuisine. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will enjoy the relaxed pace and engaging activities.

The Sum Up

The Purple Tea Farm Tour is a well-rounded, authentic experience that offers a window into Kenya’s agricultural landscape and a chance to connect directly with the process of tea production. The combination of scenic views, interactive activities, and farm-fresh food makes it a memorable day out from Nairobi.

While it involves a fair bit of walking and hands-on work, the rewarding nature of creating your own tea and the peaceful farm atmosphere make it worth the effort. This experience is particularly suited for those eager to learn, explore, and enjoy a taste of rural Kenyan life without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply looking for an active, scenic escape, this tour provides a unique, value-packed way to understand Kenya’s lesser-known agricultural treasure.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour typically lasts a full day, including pickup, activities, meal, and return to Nairobi.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making it convenient to reach the farm.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking, with shoes that can handle some trekking and outdoor activity.

Can I stay overnight at the farm?
Yes, accommodation is available at the farm for those interested in an overnight experience.

Are there any additional costs?
Personal expenses, drinks during the meal, and optional visits to the cottage factory are not included.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most likely, but the trek involves some walking, so consider mobility levels when booking.

This tour is a wonderful way to experience Kenya’s countryside through the lens of its unique purple tea, combined with scenic adventures and farm-to-table dining. Ideal for curious travelers eager to see a different side of the country while engaging in meaningful, hands-on activities.

You can check availability for your dates here: