Did you know that coffee farming in Kenya has long been celebrated as one of the world’s finest producers of Arabica Coffee? With Naicef, get to explore some of the best coffee farms in Kenya because a Kenya coffee farm tour is not just about tasting, but the whole experience from farm-to-cup.
Enjoy a coffee tour Nairobi and beyond the farms, discover also speciality coffee roasters in Nairobi such as Connect Coffee Roasters that bridge the gap.
Now, let’s dive right into it as we get to sip some coffee made with some love from the farm!
Historical Context of Coffee Farming In Kenya
Coffee farming in Kenya began back then in the 1890s, when the first coffee seedlings were planted in the Taita Hills and then later spread. In Kibwezi, it began in 1900, but in Kikuyu and areas near Nairobi, it spread in 1904.
In the colonial period (1895 -1963), coffee farming in Kenya was mainly run by the European settlers. This, however, changed after the Devonshire White Paper of 1923, which now gave access to the locals to practice in regions such as Meru and Kisii.
After 1963(independence year), coffee became a symbol of national pride, and local farmers began taking ownership of coffee production.
It quickly rose to become one of the country’s leading foreign exchange up to date.
Culturally, coffee is more than just a crop, as in the rural areas, the harvesting period is usually the celebrative part, whereas in the urban the coffee culture thrives in cafes and roasteries.
Speciality coffee roastery such as Connect Coffee Roasters, Kesh Kesh Roasters, and Spring Valley Coffee Roasters also form a part of the coffee tour Nairobi.
Notable Best Coffee Farms In Kenya
Below is now a highlight of key coffee farms where one can experience a memorable Kenya coffee farm tour;
1. Karunguru Coffee Estate
Karunguru Coffee Estate is situated in Gatundu, Kiambu County, off Thika Road, making it an around 45-minute drive from Nairobi.
The estate was first planted in 1928 by a New Zealand family which then later in 1974 it was taken over by Hon. Geoffrey Kariithi Karekia and Mrs Mary Wangeci Kariithi.
To date, the estate remains under the Kariithi family, representing four different generations of farmers who have preserved and nurtured the place.
Beyond farming, Karunguru estate is one of the best places for a Kenya coffee farm tour, as it offers signature experiences of immersive farm-to-cup tours.
While at the place, guests get to walk through the plantations, visit the processing stations, and even enjoy the tasting sessions.
2. Fairview Coffee Estate
Fairview Coffee Estate, on the other hand, is also nestled in the Central highlands of Kenya off Kiambu Road, near Kiambu Institute of Technology (KIST).
It is also one of the suitable places to do a coffee tour Nairobi, as it is about 30 30-minute drive from Nairobi CBD, making it easily accessible.
The estate is irrigated by the Riara River, which is fed by streams from the Kenyan Highlands.
Fairview Estate began back then in 1909, and it has over a century of coffee farming in Kenya. The estate is known to produce high-quality Arabica beans, making it a perfect place for coffee farming.
A tour of the place includes expert guided tours, hands-on experience such as coffee bean picking, interaction with the local community, and even some coffee tasting sessions.
At Fairview Estate, visitors not only do a tour, but they also get to gain insights into both traditional and modern processing methods.
Coffee Specialty Roastery
And just when you think the journey ends at the farm, the story of Kenyan coffee begins anew. Below are now some of the best roasteries in Nairobi that don’t just roast beans, but craft experiences such as cupping and barista training;
1. Connect Coffee Roasters
Connect Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roastery with various branches in Nairobi and Kisumu. They are known to offer cupping & workshops, barista training, and B2B services such as supplying roasted beans.
2. Spring Valley Coffee
This specialty coffee roastery is a pioneer, as its operation began back then in 2009. It is situated in Spring Valley, Nairobi and is rooted in one of Kenya’s first ever established coffee estates.
Their signature offers are such as specialty coffee bags, cafe experiences, gifts & chocolate pairings, and even compostable coffee capsules, making them sustainable.
3. Jowam Coffee Roasters
Jowam Coffee Roasters is a Kenyan specialty coffee company that began in 2006, producing and supplying high-quality green and roasted beans sourced directly from farmers.
They do have two branches, one in Lavington Mall and the other in Nairobi CBD, making them easily accessible.
Jowam’s major offerings are such as green coffee beans supplying, roasted coffee blends, retail products, and wholesale services.
4. Kesh Kesh Roastery
Kesh Kesh Coffee Roastery is a professional coffee roaster and café in Nairobi, sourcing Arabica beans across East Africa. It is nestled in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, and it is known for its welcoming vibe and authentic Eritrean ambience.
An interesting fact about the place is that its name, “Kesh Kesh,” comes from an Eritrean word meaning the traditional Eritrean method of roasting coffee beans on a pan.
They are known to offer signature roasts, experiential coffee, café menu, and specialty Arabica coffee, making it one of the best specialty coffee roastery.
5. Barista & Co.
Barista & Co. is also a Nairobi-based specialty coffee roaster and café that highlights the natural aspects of the Kenyan Arabica Coffee.
Their main roastery and café hub is in Keystone Park, 95 Riverside Drive, Nairobi, but they also have a branch at The Sarit Centre & Pio Gama Pinto Road.
It began in 2016 as a family-owned business, which later in 2018, they launched their own coffee roastery.
Some of what they offer includes café experience, specialty coffee roasting, direct farmer engagement, event and import services.
Best Time For A Kenya Coffee Farm Tour
For any tour to be memorable, the timing is usually everything, and for a Kenya coffee farm tour, the ideal time is usually during the harvest seasons.
- Main harvest season: It is usually between the months of October to December.
- Secondary harvest season: Between June to August. During these periods, guests do enjoy witnessing cherries as they are being picked, processed, and dried.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee farming in Kenya is more than an agricultural practice; it is a heritage and culture.
Exploring various best coffee farms in Kenya, such as Karunguru Coffee Estate, offers guests a chance to have an immersive experience from farm-to-cup coffee journey.
This is why a Kenya coffee farm tour is not just about tasting but witnessing cherries as they are being picked, walking through the plantations, and even engaging with the communities.
And beyond the farms, the story continues in Nairobi, where a coffee tour Nairobi introduces travellers to specialty coffee roasteries such as Connect Coffee Roasters.
Also, timing usually adds up to the experience, and hence visiting during the main harvest season or the secondary harvest season ensures guests witness the farm’s dynamics.
To be able to experience a coffee farm tour, kindly reach out to Naicef via our contact email at my@naicef.com or call: +254799922277.
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Book This Tour Here
Apart from a Kenya coffee farm tour, check out also our guide on Tea Farm Tours In Kenya, and even try out our other tours below.
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