There’s something quietly spellbinding about Kenya’s tea-growing highlands. Beyond the emerald carpet of tea leaves or the clean air drifting through eucalyptus trees, every region has a story of its own. And if you ever find yourself wandering through the cloudy Kangaita tea farms or basking in the glow of Kiambu’s sunlit fields, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
This blog is a visual diary through the most iconic tea plantations in Kenya, from the panoramic green in Kericho to the cinematic ridges of Ikonge. There’s magic in the unexpected, too, like a hidden dam tucked inside Chesumot’s private fields or the sudden purple streak amidst a field of deep green tea. Even the roads, skies, and earth trails contribute to the drama.
So whether you’re here for travel inspo, have a serious love for tea, or are merely chasing that perfect landscape shot, this recap is for you.
1. Heavy Clouds Over Kangaita’s Tea Slopes
We begin with the Kangaita tea factory area, a place where, if you ask the locals, sunshine is more of a rumor than a guarantee. Imagine arriving in the morning, camera ready, only to find the tea plantations blanketed in thick clouds. It’s not gloomy, though. There’s something nice about how these clouds hover over the expansive tea fields, lending an almost enchanted vibe to the landscape.
These tea farms sit on the edge of the Mt Kenya forest, which might explain why clouds love to hang around. Every now and then, if you’re patient (or just lucky), the sun peeks through, just long enough to snap the kind of photo that makes your Instagram followers question its authenticity.
What also stood out is the color of the tea itself. Unlike the bright, glossy greens you see in Kericho or Kiambu, Kangaita’s fields are a deeper, almost brooding shade of green, probably thanks to the ever-present cloud cover. And then, out of nowhere, a patch of purple tea pops up, breaking the monotony of green.
Wandering the edges, you’ll spot the indigenous trees of Mt Kenya forest and lines of eucalyptus (which I’m fairly sure fuel the nearby tea factory). Outside the big plantations, you’ll find smallholder farms, each with its mix of tea and scattered trees (mainly eucalyptus and grivellia).
2. The Shiny Kiambu’s Green
Now, let’s shift gears to Kiambu, where the sun shows up. Picture yourself on a gentle ridge, taking in a panorama that stretches as far as your eyes (and your phone camera can reach). Here, the tea fields shimmer under the afternoon sun, the leaves flickering between shades of emerald and gold.
Kiambu’s tea country is remarkably accessible (not far from Limuru or Kiambu town), so you don’t have to plan a grand expedition to soak it all in. Estates like Ngorongo, Limuru Gardens, Karirana, Kiambuthi, and Eden Tea lay claim to the views, each with its picture-perfect vistas. And if you’ve ever stumbled upon Camellia Garden photos online, you’re actually looking at a spot nestled right within a Limuru tea farm
One thing you’ll notice: the vibe is much more “neighborhood” than “remote outpost.” Unlike Kericho’s vast corporate plantations (cue Unilever and Brown’s Plantations), it’s like the estates here are often family-owned. Several human settlements break the green carpet.
You’ll spot eucalyptus and grevillea trees punctuating the fields. The sky is usually a clear blue, giving you that sun-drenched vibe you always hope for on a day out. Quick tip: if you want the best roadside views, pick Kiambu Road over Boma Road.
3. Kericho: Endless Tea Oceans and Extensive Forests
Kericho is where tea truly goes big. We are talking about vast fields that seem to stretch into infinity, mostly owned by major players like Brown’s Plantations (which took over from Finlays) and Unilever. The bulk of these legendary tea estates all line up on just one side of the Londiani-Kericho town-Kapsuser road. Sort of the tea decided to claim its own side of the world.
These are among the best places to visit in Kericho. And while you can walk and drive through, don’t be surprised if you encounter security checkpoints, especially around busy spots like tea processing centers and engineering workshops. It’s all part of the experience, and honestly, you’ll want to stop often to soak in the scenery because no regular camera can truly capture the jaw-dropping scale here. Unless you’ve got a drone, your best shots will never do Kericho’s endless tea waves justice.
The real magic unfolds along the Kericho-Kapsuser road, where sweeping views make every bend a pull-over moment. These are, hands down, my favorite tea landscapes in Kenya. Kericho also stands out for its forests: the patches here are more expansive than in other tea regions, a lush mix of indigenous and planted trees. Drive in from the Londiani junction and you’ll spot these green stretches before you reach Kericho town. The area is also the proud home of the Ketepa headquarters and factory at Brooke Center.
The extras in Kericho…
If you’re a tree lover, don’t miss the Chagaik arboretum near the Londiani-Kericho road. It’s home to dozens of tree species (and even a somewhat forgotten dam). And as you look out over the fields, you’ll spot the mighty Nandi Hills rising on the opposite horizon, particularly clear if you’re heading toward Muhoroni or Fort Tenan.
A word to the wise: Kericho is famous for its afternoon downpours. If you want to explore without getting drenched, plan your trip for earlier in the day. But should you get caught in the torrents, at least you’ll know it’s part of the authentic Kericho experience. And yes, when it rains here, it really pours (literally).
4. A Hidden Gem of Water Tucked Between Tea Fields and Forests
Tucked in a privately-owned Chesumot tea estate is a dam that feels almost secret. Picture a mirror of still water set in a gentle valley, bordered by tea fields and thick patches of indigenous trees.
Entry into Chesumot dam is KSh 500 per person, and once inside, you’re greeted by a wooden jetty floating on sturdy plastic drums that stretches out into the heart of the dam. Out here, you’ll find a canoe just waiting for you to paddle around the tranquil waters. Not a fan of canoes? No worries. There are horses available for riding around the dam or through nearby tea fields at your own pace. The sight of cows calmly grazing between rows of tea adds to the rural charm.
For adventurers and nature lovers, the area offers hiking trails, and if you’re up for it, you can camp under Indian ash trees for KSh 1,000 a night. Prefer a roof over your head? There’s an Airbnb-style house on site that sleeps six, priced at KSh 12,000 per night. It’s perfect for a family getaway or a small group retreat.
During my last visit, I noticed some construction. Bulldozers and cleared patches suggested a new development, possibly a future resort. Time will tell.
Getting to Chesumot dam is straightforward: from Kericho town, turn off at Brooke Center. If you’re coming from Londiani, the route via the Kaisugu tea factory is rough in places and best tackled with a 4×4. The off-road stretch is shorter, though.
5. The Rolling Hills of Ikonge Are Nature’s Masterpiece
If you ever find yourself in Ikonge, just a short drive from the town heading towards Ngoina shopping center, be ready to gasp, “Oh God, this is insanely beautiful!” Ikonge’s landscape feels like someone hired the world’s best landscape designer and then let nature finish the job. It’s a patchwork of lush greenery, tea plantations, and pockets of thick forest, all layered over some of the most perfectly sculpted rolling hills you’ll ever see.
The road here meanders gracefully, as if purposely designed to show off a new jaw-dropping view at every turn. For real, every bend reveals a fresh perspective: one moment you’re greeted by emerald slopes rolling away under a bright blue sky, the next, wispy white clouds drift across the horizon, turning everything into a living postcard.
Some slopes are dotted with neat grass and young eucalyptus trees, with tea fields fanning out into the distance. At another spot, you’ll spot creamy, red-roofed cottages, their vibrant hedges bursting with color. These houses overlook thick forests, with tea farms peeking through and green hills rising in the background. It’s a landscape built in layers: cottages in the foreground, forests and hills stacked behind, all of it blending into one unforgettable view.
If you ever find yourself anywhere near Kericho or Nyamira, make sure you carve out time to visit Ikonge. It’s only about 22 km from Kebirigo or 42 km from Kericho town. The scenery packs enough wow factor to last a lifetime; you’ll leave with your camera full and your spirit even fuller.
6. Nandi Hills Commanding the Skyline
The Nandi Hills rise like a giant, jagged, blue-green wall.
From the Kericho side, these hills form a dramatic, almost magical backdrop to every photo and every memory. When driving out towards Chesumot, Kapkornom (cue my Kericho-Sondu trip), or Muhoroni, you’ll find the Nandi Hills gradually taking over the horizon. Their layered silhouette is strikingly similar to the Aberdares from a distance. during
At the base, vast sugarcane farms sprawl out, and if you keep your eyes peeled on the Nandi side, you’ll spot tea plantations up the hillsides.
These hills are no small affair; they extend into the Nyando escarpment. Take the scenic Muhoroni route to Kisumu (passing Chemilil, Kibigori, and Miwani) and you’ll get a front-row seat to this breathtaking display.
And yes, I’m already planning my adventure into the Nandi forest. Stay tuned for the next round of breathtaking views.
Conclusion
Kenya’s tea highlands are full of quiet surprises. One moment you’re in a cloud-covered field in Kangaita, the next you’re riding a canoe across a dam in Chesumot tea estate, or watching sunlight dance on Kiambu’s golden slopes. The views? Unreal. The roads? Scenic. And the vibe? Worth the trip.
These places aren’t far from Kenya’s major cities and don’t need a big travel plan. For most, you’ll need a free day, a decent camera, and a bit of curiosity. Whether you’re into landscapes, road trips, or want to see tea growing in places that feel almost unreal, this stretch of Kenya delivers.
Go see it for yourself. It’s better than you’d expect.
Meanwhile, before you hit the road, check out more of my travel recaps. These are a collection of real trips, unforgettable places, and hidden gems you probably haven’t heard of.
Ezekiel Maina is the brains behind ContentGenics, where he pairs creativity and strategy to craft B2B and B2C content that real people love to read. He has written for brands like House Digest, iFoundries, Harmony Home Medical, Postaga, and BeamJobs, and covered topics like home improvement, real estate, freelancing, digital marketing, career growth, food & travel, automotive, durable medical equipment (DME), and Cannabis. By day, he’s crafting content, catching up with clients from his home office, lost in a good book, or occasionally chasing nature and greenery in another county. By late evening, he’s typically deep in a documentary rabbit hole on Netflix or YouTube.
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