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AGRO-TOURISM SAFARI
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Agro-tourism is a blend of two industries, agriculture, and tourism. It is the practice of touring farms and often participating in farming activities. Kenya is renowned for exporting quality agricultural products and is a leading global exporter of black tea. Star Tea customers in the US can have a guided visit to the tea gardens and trace how the tea is grown, processed, and ends up in a cup. Star Tea promotes transparency in the tea industry in aspects such as environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing. The abundance of natural produce in Kenya and the rich variety of cultures and traditions offer a unique opportunity for an agricultural adventure.
The Star Tea Safari includes a cup of tea, a walk-through of the production and tasting facility, and a visit to the tea fields. In addition, a guided nature walk with a Kenyan naturalist who will point out flora and fauna (like Columbus monkeys) along the way. In addition, the tour to Kenya tea gardens will be an optional package, which may include various tour circuits and attractions such as the Big Five (5), culture and heritage, climbing Mount Kenya or Aberdare, and much more. The guests can choose to stay in hotels of their choice (up to 5 stars) or a homestay (hospitality and lodging where visitors share a residence with a local in the area, the host, to which they are traveling). Visitors can have the opportunity to visit my tea farm, which I inherited from my parents.
My late Mom, Leah, planted tea in 1956 and was one of the first Kenyan small-scale farmers to grow tea in Kenya. At the time, my late dad, George, was in exile, due to involvement in fighting for independence in Kenya. My Mom was a shrewd businesswoman who saw the tea industry future despite the struggle for freedom. When my father was released from exile, they increased the size of the tea plantation significantly.
They also helped the community members to register and plant tea gardens ,today Kenya has over 560,000 Smallholder Tea Farmers. Even though my dad was a career hospital superintendent, and my mom was a UNICEF community social development officer, tea was the family’s most significant income earner, providing for the family of 11in education and other needs. Tea is Kenya most important agricultural earner today, supporting most families in social-economic development.