Kiambu’s green gold: Limuru tea estates becoming top destination for tourists and influencers
As the number of visitors grows, investors are gradually converting parts of the tea estates into wedding venues, while new hotels, such as the Cabin Ridge Resort in Limuru, cater to tourists.
As the tough state of the economy continues to bite, Kenyans are finding creative ways to unwind without spending much.
One popular escape is the lush tea estates of Limuru, Kiambu County, where Nairobi residents often drive or carpool to enjoy scenic views, cool weather, and upcoming hotels that satisfy both appetite and aesthetic delight. The fresh, crisp air and natural beauty make it a perfect retreat.
Visitors are welcomed by private farm owners, who do not view them as trespassers or a nuisance. This openness has turned the plantations into popular backdrops for influencers, musicians, car marketers, cyclists, and leisure seekers of all ages.
'Park and chill' gatherings
About two years ago, “park and chill” gatherings across Githunguri, Limuru, and Lari sub-counties were temporarily banned by the County Security Committee, led by former Kiambu County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha (now Regional Coordinator Central), citing immorality.
"There must be a permit for every venue where alcohol is being consumed. But on these grounds, there are none, and they even come with a DJ. We are continuing with a crackdown against such behaviour," he said at the time.
The ban has since eased, though the events are less elaborate than before. DJs are no longer present, but visitors continue to flock to the area via bicycles, private vehicles, hired buses and vans.
Visitors are warmly welcomed by private farm owners, who embrace guests exploring the scenic tea estates. (Photo: Courtesy)
As the number of visitors grows, investors are gradually converting parts of the tea estates into wedding venues, while new hotels, such as the Cabin Ridge Resort in Limuru, cater to tourists.
Promote the tours
Recognising this potential, the national and Kiambu County governments are discussing ways to formalise and promote the tours, aiming to make them sustainable and part of Kenya’s broader tourism portfolio.
A recent familiarisation visit to the tea and coffee farms included Kenya Airways Senior Country Manager Rehema Ibrahim, representatives from Magical Kenya, and members of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO). The group resolved to promote agri-tourism, celebrate agricultural heritage, and position Kiambu as a leading tourism destination.
"This has been a low-hanging fruit for the county government of Kiambu, which has stayed for too long without being picked. There are so many ways we can enhance the experience and make it captivating to locals and foreign visitors," said the governor during the visit.
Kiambu County has long overlooked the tourism potential of Limuru’s tea farms, a hidden gem now attracting visitors from across the country. (Photo: Courtesy)
Elephant migration
He also highlighted a unique attraction: elephant migration.
"We've got the only maternity for elephants in this area. Elephants migrate from the Aberdares to this, one and only maternity somewhere in Lari, in Kiambu county. You can't be there for more than two weeks and not witness an elephant giving birth, but of course, it's a very dangerous place because elephants can also be very hostile," he said.
Esther Wanjira from Karirana Tea Factory, part of the entourage, emphasised the region’s diverse offerings. Tour operators plan to use a catalogue showcasing local attractions to guide clients.
"We have partnered with the Kiambu tourism department to come and showcase the beautiful wonders of Kiambu, mainly the coffee farms, the tea farms, and Kenya Airways is happy to explore ways we can support Kiambu county to bring in more tourism and showcase the destination as a whole," said Ms Ibrahim.
Visitors relax and soak in the serene beauty of a lush tea farm in Limuru, escaping the hustle of city life. (Photo: Courtesy)
Scenic tea farms
Visitors can expect to see not only scenic tea farms but also the homes of prominent politicians, including the late Njenga Karume.
Tours include visits to Cianda and Sasini tea farms, private factories such as Maraba, Karirana, Mamburuki, and Eden, as well as Fig and Olive in Limuru and Ngorogo in Githunguri along the Kiambu-Ndumberi-Limuru Road.
Tourists may witness both manual and mechanical tea plucking and, if lucky, enjoy the same cup of tea once preferred by Queen Elizabeth II.
"We have been here since 2022. This is a family-owned business and property consisting of a café, a farm shop, a deli, padel courts, a spa, and many more things to come. I would recommend anyone to come to Fig and Olive to escape the city, to enjoy beautiful nature and delicious food, a friendly community, and there's always something new here at Fig and Olive. We are changing things constantly, things are always moving around, so it's a fun place to come and discover something that you've maybe haven't seen before," said Ms Chloe, General Manager of Fig and Olive in Tigoni, Limuru.
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