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Kericho – Tea Plantations
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Agriculture
Kericho is the undisputed heart of the Kenyan tea industry, situated in the highlands west of the Great Rift Valley. The region has fertile volcanic soils and near-daily rainfall, creating the first-rate environment for cultivating premium black tea. The first commercial tea plantations were established here in 1924, and since then, the landscape has been defined by endless, undulating hills of lively green tea bushes. Major international corporations like Unilever and James Finlay manage vast estates in the area, providing employment for tens of thousands of workers. Tea is one of Kenya's primary foreign exchange earners, and Kericho is instrumental in maintaining the nation's status as a top global exporter of black tea. Alongside the large estates, thousands of small-scale farmers contribute to the industry by delivering their harvests to central processing factories. The town of Kericho serves as the regional economic hub and houses research facilities focused on improving tea yields and climate resilience. The cool, misty climate at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters ensures slow leaf maturation, which is key to the tea's robust and distinctive flavor.
- Location: Kenya
- Top sights: Kericho · Roman Catholic Diocese of Kericho · Kericho District
- Nearby: Litein (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 46 | 122 | 221 | 160 | 88 | 67 | 90 | 95 | 121 | 163 | 112 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Kericho is the center of Kenyan tea growing, world-famous for its high quality and vast, green plantations. The tea plantations are of enormous economic importance to Kenya and the region, creating jobs and generating foreign exchange.
Visiting
Most tea plantations in Kericho are not open to the public, but some offer guided tours that can be booked in advance. From public roads, however, one has an excellent view of the endless tea fields and the pickers.
Where to view it
The best view of the terraced tea gardens is enjoyed while driving on the Kericho Highlands Highway, which winds through the plantations. From viewpoints on the outskirts of Kericho town, the view over the green hills is spectacular.
Local products
In Kericho, one can buy high-quality Kenyan tea directly from plantations or shops in town. Popular types include CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea and orthodox black tea, often packed in decorative tins.
Active season
Tea is grown year-round, but the main plucking season runs from March to May and October to November, when leaves are at their best. During this time, the plantations are especially lively, with many workers hand-picking the leaves.
Nearby
Combine a plantation visit with a trip to the Chewoit River waterfalls, which are nearby. The Kericho Museum also has insights into the history of tea growing and the culture of the Kipsigis people.
Geography
Facts
- Kericho is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.
- The annual rainfall in the region frequently exceeds 2,100 mm.
- The first commercial tea bushes were planted in Kericho in 1924.
- Kenya currently ranks as the world's largest exporter of black tea.
- Over 25% of Kenya's total tea production originates from the Kericho district.
- The rich volcanic soils of the Rift Valley are naturally high in organic matter.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Kericho – Tea Plantations (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kericho famous for tea?
The cool climate and volcanic soils of the highlands provide handy conditions for tea cultivation.
Can you visit tea factories?
Yes, many factories offer guided tours where you can see the processing from leaf to bag.
When is the best time for photos of the plantations?
Early morning, when mist often covers the green hills, creating a mystical atmosphere.
What kind of tea can you buy there?
Mainly high-quality black tea, but also green tea and specialty blends directly from the factories.
What is the weather like in Kericho?
It rains briefly almost every afternoon, keeping the landscape vibrantly green all year round.
Kericho – Tea Plantations: where is it located?
Kericho, Tea Plantations is located in Kenya.
Kericho – Tea Plantations: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kericho, Roman Catholic Diocese of Kericho, Kericho District.
Kericho – Tea Plantations: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
Kericho – Tea Plantations: why is it worth visiting?
Kericho is the undisputed heart of the Kenyan tea industry, situated in the highlands west of the Great Rift Valley.
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