East African Tea Adventures in Tanzania with Gondwana Ecotours

Tea is an integral part of Tanzanian culture, and cups of the steaming beverage are enjoyed at social gatherings, ceremonies, and with family and friends. Tea is also a major export product for the country and a source of income for many farmers. To learn more about the Tanzanian tea industry, consider taking a tour of Tanzanian tea plantations while you are visiting East Africa with Gondwana Ecotours!

A Short History of Tea in Tanzania

Tea cultivation was introduced to Tanzania in 1902, by German settlers. However, it was the British who introduced the commercial cultivation of the cash crop in the 1920s. The warm, tropical climate in this East African nation is perfect for growing tea, making Tanzania one of the most important tea-producing countries in Africa today.

Tanzania is the third-largest tea-producing country in Africa, with more than 21,500 acres dedicated to Tanzania tea plantations. Unlike neighboring countries, however, the Tanzania tea industry relies mainly on small farmers. This eclectic model has made Tanzania a leader in East African tea production. Today, tea is among Tanzania’s main agricultural products along with cloves, cashews, coffee, and maize, and is part of the cultural fabric of the country.

Where Is Tea Grown in Tanzania?

With a hot and humid eastern shore along the Indian Ocean and dense forests dotting the mountainside, Tanzania is one of the most important tea-producing countries in Africa. Tanzanian tea plantations contribute to the country’s economy, with small farm holdings and larger estates exporting approximately 1 percent of the total tea production worldwide!

There are three main tea planting areas in Tanzania: those in the Southern Highlands around the Njombe and Mufindi districts of the Iringa region; the plantations of East Usambara in the Tanga region close to the coast; and the Northwest zone around the southern western shore of Lake Victoria.

Region #1: The Lake Victoria Basin

Lake Victoria is in East Central Africa, between the countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The Lake Victoria basin has fertile soil and a climate that supports cash crops like tea and coffee. In the Tanzanian region of the lake basin, black tea is grown for export. This thriving agricultural zone is also a popular destination for visitors who want to learn more about the Tanzania tea industry and East African tea in general.

The best ways to get to Lake Victoria include:

• Air travel: Flying to Mwanza is the most convenient way to reach Lake Victoria.
• Departure airports: Most likely you will fly from either Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
• Transportation from Mwanza: Once in Mwanza, you can reach various points on the lake by car or boat.
• Ferry options: Lake Victoria also has ferries connecting different parts of the lake across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

A reputable tour operator like Gondwana Ecotours can help you plan your adventure to Lake Victoria, and help you navigate the complexities of getting around the region. Gondwana’s friendly staff can even help you plan a visit to Tanzanian tea plantations in the Lake Victoria region. Once there, you can plan additional outings to Rubondo Island National Park. the largest island park in Africa, or the Ssese Islands, a spectacular archipelago made up of 84 islands floating in the waters of Lake Victoria.

Region #2: The Southern Highlands

The Mufindi Highlands are a serene escape located in the cool mountains of the Iringa Region. Nicknamed the “Home of Tanzanian Tea Plantations,” Mufindi is characterized by lush, green tea fields, stunning landscapes, and a tranquil, welcoming aura. Get off the beaten path with Gondwana Ecotours and take a break from the intensity of your safari adventure in the hills of Mufindi!

The Mufindi region has a cool climate and fertile soil, which creates the perfect conditions for growing chai tea. The town is small and welcoming, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.

The best way to get to Mufindi is:

• By Air: The nearest major airport to Mufindi is Dar es Salaam International Airport, which serves domestic and international flights. You can take Dar es Salaam’s local airport to Iringa Airport, the closest airport to Mufindi.
• By Road: Mufindi is well-connected by road, and traveling by bus or private vehicle is a popular option for many visitors. If you come from Dar es Salaam or other major cities in Tanzania, you can take a long-distance bus to Iringa, the closest central town to Mufindi.

Of course, a visit to Mufindi would not be complete without a tour of the local plantations that keep the Tanzania tea industry so lucrative. Take a guided tour through the expansive tea fields and learn about tea production, from cultivation to harvesting and processing. Don’t forget to sample the local teas and to purchase high-quality, East African tea as a souvenir of your trip.

Region #3: The Usambara Mountain Region

The Usambara Mountains, found in the northeastern part of Tanzania, are famous for their pleasant climate, beautiful vistas, and fertile slopes. The Usambara region was a favorite of the Germans and English during colonial times, so the area is rich in history from these early settlers.

This mountainous region produces a variety of teas, including black tea, oolong tea, and green tea. The region’s climate and soil are ideal for growing tea, and the tea produced there is known for its distinctive flavors.

The Usambara Mountains are easily accessible by road from major cities in Tanzania:

• From Dar es Salaam: To reach Lushoto, the main town in the Usambara region, is approximately a 7-hour drive.
• From Arusha: The journey will take travelers 4 to 5 hours by car or bus.
• From Moshi: A 4-hour drive will get you to the mountains.

For those who are interested in East African tea and geology, the Usambara Mountains are the perfect place to visit. The mountains are part of the ancient Eastern Arc Mountain chain, which is an estimated 100 million years old. The mountains are also home to an exceptional assortment of plants and animals, representing one of the most biodiverse places on the African continent.

The Future of Tea in Tanzania

While tea is currently one of the largest exports in the country, its future is growing. Ambitious economic plans are underway to boost production and make Tanzanian tea plantations even more prominent on a global stage. This agricultural boom, led by the Tanzania tea industry, will encourage 200,000 young people to pursue careers in agritech, modernizing the country’s farming sector by combining agriculture and innovation. In terms of tea production, the government hopes to triple the amount of current tea exports going forward.

Spilling the Tea: Tea Culture in Tanzania

In Tanzania, tea is a symbol of hospitality, community, and tradition. The steaming beverage invites people to gather, share stories, and build connections over cup after cup of tea. While the Tanzania tea industry produces exports with great monetary value, locally, tea ceremonies and social gatherings revolve around this flavorful drink. To experience Tanzanian tea plantations first-hand, consider booking a trip with Gondwana Ecotours! Discover the wonders of the Serengeti, then unwind with a cup of locally grown tea while looking out over the expansive fields of a Tanzanian tea plantation.