There’s something magical about leaving Nairobi behind for a few hours and trading the chaos of traffic for the sound of birds, rustling leaves, and rushing water. Just an hour’s drive from the city, tucked away in Gatanga, lies Gatura Greens Garden, a countryside escape that feels like a secret whispered only to those who crave both beauty and calm, and home to Kenya’s first purple tea farm.
The drive itself sets the mood. Once you veer off Thika Road and head deeper into Gatanga, the city noise fades and the landscape shifts into rolling tea farms, pockets of forest, and the occasional village shop. When you finally arrive at Gatura Greens, you’re greeted not by manicured lawns or artificial décor, but by a garden that feels authentically Kenyan: green, wild in places, and utterly refreshing.
Walking through a living tea story
Arriving at Gatura Greens feels like opening a storybook. The paths wind through rows of green, black, hibiscus, and the striking purple tea bushes, their dark-tinged leaves shimmering in the sun. It’s not just a pretty sight, it’s history in the making. The farm is pioneering a unique crop, one that has placed Kenya on the map as a leader in tea innovation.
On the purple tea farm tour, you don’t just look at the fields; you step into the rhythm of tea life. Guides share stories of tea farming in Kenya, explaining how different leaves are harvested, processed, and transformed. You pause, touch the leaves, inhale the earthy scent of fresh growth, and suddenly the cup of tea you’ve always taken for granted feels like a miracle of craft.
From leaf to cup
The adventure doesn’t end in the fields. Just a short walk away, a small cottage factory hums quietly, turning freshly plucked leaves into drinkable art. Here, you witness the stages of withering, fermenting, drying, and packaging. The highlight, of course, is the tasting session.
Over ten varieties line the table, green, black, herbal, and the star, purple tea. Each sip tells its own story: the refreshing sharpness of green tea, the deep richness of black, the floral sweetness of hibiscus, and the subtle fruity, almost wine-like notes of purple tea. It’s an education for your palate and a reminder that Kenya’s tea story is far richer than many know.
A waterfall for the soul
After the teas, the land invites you deeper. A shaded trail draws you down to the Chania River, where a waterfall tumbles into a misty pool. The sound is soothing, the air cooler, and the spray feels like a baptism from nature herself. Some sit quietly to watch the water, others take photos, but everyone leaves lighter, calmer, and a little more connected to the earth. For the adventurous, a refreshing swim awaits at the base of the falls.
A day that feels full
What makes Gatura Greens special is that it doesn’t rush you. Alongside the tour and waterfall trek, you’re treated to a three-course lunch and soft drinks, creating a full day that blends learning, leisure, and indulgence. Picnics, laughter, and lazy conversations unfold under the trees, with tea still lingering on your tongue. Couples find it romantic, families find it restful, and solo travellers discover the rare gift of solitude. Bring along a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and a camera you’ll want to capture the morning light on the fields or the way the sunset paints the river gold.
Prices & practical details
A day at Gatura Greens is more than a tour; it’s an immersive package:
Citizens: Ksh 4,200 per person | Ksh 2,000 (children under 12) | Free (children under 5)
Residents: Ksh 4,950 per person | Ksh 2,500 (children under 12) | Free (children under 5)
Non-residents: USD 45 per person | USD 25 (children under 12) | Free (children under 5)
Price includes:
- Purple Tea farm tour
- Tea picking & processing
- Tea tasting (10+ varieties)
- Three-course lunch with soft drinks
- Waterfall trek & swimming
Most guests prefer self-driving, but transport can be arranged from Nairobi at an additional cost. Do note that weekday tours require a minimum of four guests to run, so plan ahead if you’re visiting midweek.
A day well spent
Plan to arrive by morning, start with the farm and factory tour, then follow it with a tea tasting. After, wander to the waterfall, then sit down for a hearty lunch and an afternoon of leisure in the gardens. If your energy holds, nearby Thika Falls or Fourteen Falls make a perfect add-on before you head back to Nairobi, full of stories and photos worth sharing.
Why Gatura Greens belongs on your list
Day trips from Nairobi are many, but Gatura Greens stands apart. It isn’t just a garden or a picnic spot, it’s a living, breathing classroom of tea culture, a place where innovation meets tradition and where nature still whispers in waterfalls and rustling leaves.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast, a lover of nature, or simply someone who craves a break from the city’s pace, Gatura Greens Garden offers a rare combination: learning, tasting, exploring, and resting. And when you finally sip that cup of purple tea, looking out over the fields where it all began, you’ll know you’ve discovered one of Nairobi’s true hidden gems.
Plan your next adventure today at Visit Nairobi Kenya.