Nestled a few minutes from the city centre, is a nature lover’s dream, a green haven just waiting to be explored. Coming through the age-old trees lining the driveway, the feeling of history is palpable and the peace inevitable.  Welcome to Fairview Estate and gardens, home to some of Kenya’s finest coffee. Established in 1902 and passed to its current owners in 1978, these gardens and coffee farm are a treasure trove of activities and fun.

Start at the ‘Bridal’ gardens, named so for the weddings that take place here. Lush and idyllic, reminiscent of the book ‘The secret garden’, this is a fairy tale spot brought to life by the green-fingered owners.  Pretty creepers hide nooks with benches, there’s a coy pond circled by a fence of flowers, a waterfall feature and to top it all off a 500+ year old Mugumo tree, breath-taking and imposing. Sit, stare and enjoy a cup of the delectable house coffee served from the charming farm cottage next to it.

If you can manage to pull yourself away move down to the coffee farm, where neat rows of coffee bushes invite you into a sea of green. Kenya is renowned worldwide for its coffee and Fairview boasts an award-winning brew. The rich foliage of the leaves and the bright red of the berries (depending on the season of course!) a testament to the fertile soils around. Environmental consciousness is evident in the nature all around; they employ sustainable, holistic farming methods and yes, you can experience this first hand. Book a tour through the farm, learn its century-old history, all about Arabica coffee, watchmen and women at work, see the processing then enjoy a ‘cupping’ session to literally, taste the experience!

While here, stop at Fairview gardens. Originally designed as a getaway for the owner and his sweetheart wife of 50+ years, these gardens set around a man-made lake are an oasis of tranquillity.  From small intimate gatherings to big events of up to 500 people, this is the venue for long-lasting memories. Try fishing in this scenic spot, book a photo-shoot, or bring a picnic and spend a while here to take it all in.

This farm is notably socially impactful. Employing up to 400 workers during the peak season and with 108 permanent families, Fairview uplifts the local community through employment and education. The farm runs a charitable school where over 1,000 children have passed through.  Under a dedicated managerial staff, Fairview thrives hand in hand with the community, an organic relationship benefiting them and from them. So when you visit you can be sure you are supporting this nurturing spirit, both of the land and the people who tend to it.

So there you have it. We promise you’ll keep having to stop and stare, wanting to pause each moment…and that’s truly what life’s about. Wapi? Fairview Estate.