Coffee Farm Tour Fairview From Nairobi: An In-depth Review
Getting out of Nairobi for a day is something many folks think about, too it’s almost essential if you want to see a different side of Kenya, one that’s very much more grounded in the earth and its harvests. A trip I took recently, so it involved visiting the Fairview Coffee Estate, proved to be just that kind of escape, and I’m here to give you the lowdown. It’s only a short drive from the heart of Nairobi, you see, and this farm offers a window into Kenya’s celebrated coffee production. I’ll walk you through what you can anticipate, what I liked, what could be better, that, is that ultimately, whether it’s worth penciling into your travel plans.
What to Expect on the Fairview Coffee Tour
Right then, so the Fairview Coffee Estate tour tends to start with a brief introduction to the farm’s history, that, is that how it got going and its role in Kenya’s coffee story. It’s interesting stuff, actually, getting a peek into the past like your seeing the farm machinery used back when things got underway. Then, as you go, they walk you through the whole coffee-making deal, very much more from when the beans are just little guys on the plant to when they’re getting prepped for export.
Seeing the coffee plants up close, too it’s almost really is a treat. You get to learn about the different types of coffee grown there, in some respects the conditions they need to grow well, actually it gives you a whole newfound appreciation for that morning cup of joe. It’s interesting to touch the plants and actually see how the coffee grows and it’s very informative for even for a non-coffee drinker, such as myself. The tour takes you through each step of the process, like your seeing the picking, the drying, the sorting – all that jazz. And, you see, at the end, the part many look forward to is getting a chance to sample the coffee that’s been grown and processed right there. Very fresh stuff.
So the coffee tasting part, I felt, very much more was quite basic. You taste a cup and then there is an option of buying some of that very coffee on your way out of the shop. All the types of coffee sold can be sampled there which is very helpful in making your decision as you leave, actually.
Getting There and the Practical Stuff
Getting to Fairview from Nairobi, so it’s a pretty easy trip. You can hop in a taxi, rent a car, that, is that even grab a local matatu (minibus) if you are that way inclined, very adventurous type, in a way. The farm is located not too far outside the city, that, is that which means you’re not spending a huge chunk of your day just getting there.
Tours generally run a couple of times a day, typically, usually, often but it’s wise to check ahead and book, too it’s almost especially if you’re visiting during the busier tourist seasons, you see, to be honest. Expect the whole thing to last maybe two to three hours, arguably, that, is that leaving you with plenty of time to do other things with your day. The ground can be a little uneven in places, right, so wearing comfy shoes is pretty much a must. Also, that Kenyan sun can be rather intense, a bit, so slap on some sunscreen and maybe take a hat with you, right then?
What I Enjoyed (and What Could Be Better)
I got a kick out of seeing the actual coffee-making in progress and there is something rather amazing about walking through the plantation, really smelling those beans, in a way, you know? The guides had some interesting insights into how the whole system operates and a genuine feeling of care for their work came over to me. Plus, buying fresh coffee right from the source, is that, well, you are likely going to notice a certain taste from it.
I felt the tasting part could be somewhat livelier and even a few little cakes or biscuits would assist. That’s only a suggestion though. Some of the equipment is past its use-by-date in a way, yet one may suggest it adds a certain appeal, too. More historical that state-of-the-art. I felt a more diverse history of Kenyans growing coffee could be explained on the tour, just.
Is the Fairview Coffee Tour Worth It?
Basically, so if you’re after a laid-back half-day thing out of Nairobi and have some interest in coffee – very then yes, I’d recommend the Fairview Coffee Estate tour. That way it will provide you with an enlightening glimpse into Kenyan agriculture, and it is an appreciated chance to get some fresh air outside the city, really and it is not even going to take too much of your valuable vacation time.
Nevertheless, if you’re searching for a wildly thrilling or very very interactive experience, then possibly adjust your expectations a little, you know. What Fairview offers is fairly straightforward. So the educational and serene atmosphere of a working farm more or less and that is what its focus seems to be. Having said that if your looking for something more adrenaline fueled there are always Safaris.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Fairview Coffee Estate offers something a little different, arguably, more or less from the usual Kenyan tourist stops. This is an opportunity to experience a bit of Kenya’s agriculture, basically as well as getting to know about one of its leading exports and it may add a tasty dimension to your trip. You go at your own speed. I’m glad I did so, too it’s almost I was able to visit there. Have a cup for me, please!
