In short: Kawalazi Tea Estate is a tea producer in Malawi's D44 region, operated by Kawalazi Estate Company Ltd., and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Kawalazi Tea Estate is located in the D44 region of Malawi at an elevation of 653 metres above sea level. The estate is operated by Kawalazi Estate Company Ltd. and produces both black and green teas. It holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Terroir & Climate
At 653 metres, Kawalazi occupies a relatively low to mid-elevation site for tea cultivation. Estates at this altitude in Malawi's subtropical latitude typically experience warmer growing conditions than their high-elevation counterparts, which can promote more vigorous vegetative growth and faster leaf maturation throughout much of the year. The D44 region generally benefits from the seasonal rainfall patterns characteristic of southern Africa's interior plateaus, though estates at this elevation tend to be more exposed to temperature fluctuations than those situated in cooler upland zones.
The thermal regime at this altitude typically allows for year-round cropping, with flush cycles that tend to be more continuous than those seen at higher elevations where cooler nights slow leaf development. Soils in Malawi's tea districts are generally weathered and acidic, conditions that suit Camellia sinensis but which require careful nutrient management. Estates in this elevation band often produce leaf with a robust character, as the warmer conditions can encourage the accumulation of polyphenols and other secondary metabolites that contribute to body and briskness in the finished tea.
Tea Produced
Kawalazi produces both black and green teas. Black teas from estates at this elevation in Malawi typically yield a brisk, full-bodied cup with good colour and a straightforward, malty character. The warmer growing conditions associated with lower to mid-elevation sites often result in leaf that processes into teas with pronounced strength and astringency, qualities valued in blending. Green teas from such estates tend to be less common but can offer a more robust, vegetal profile than the delicate styles produced at higher, cooler sites. Malawian teas generally are recognised for their consistency and blending utility in international markets.
Operator
The estate is operated by Kawalazi Estate Company Ltd. No other estates operated by this company are currently recorded in our directory.
Certifications & Ethics
Kawalazi Tea Estate holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an industry body that sets standards for labour rights, environmental stewardship, and supply-chain transparency. ETP certification requires estates to meet benchmarks on issues including wages, working conditions, pesticide use, and freedom of association. For buyers, the certification offers a degree of third-party assurance on social and environmental compliance; for workers, it is intended to underpin improvements in workplace safety, access to grievance mechanisms, and community welfare programmes.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kawalazi Tea Estate lies at -11.6307, 34.1224 in D44, Malawi. Its 653 m elevation is the 13th highest of 21 estates we map in Malawi. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Katumba Tea Factory — 269 km away · Tukuyu
- Katumba tea estate — 273 km away · Mbeya
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory- Njombe — 297 km away · Ninga
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory — 297 km away · Ninga
- Itona Tea Estate — 366 km away · Itona- Mufindi
Observed Climate at Kawalazi Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kawalazi Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 2,396 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was December (589 mm) and the driest was September (3 mm). Daytime highs averaged 27.2 °C and overnight lows 17.9 °C over the year; October was the warmest month and July the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 2,396 mm |
| Wettest month | December (589 mm) |
| Driest month | September (3 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 27.2 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 17.9 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kawalazi Tea Estate located?
Kawalazi Tea Estate is in D44, Malawi, at coordinates -11.6307, 34.1224, at an elevation of about 653 metres.
Who operates Kawalazi Tea Estate?
Kawalazi Tea Estate is operated by Kawalazi Estate Company Ltd., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kawalazi Tea Estate produce?
Kawalazi Tea Estate is recorded as producing black and green tea.
What certifications does Kawalazi Tea Estate hold?
Kawalazi Tea Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Kawalazi Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 2,396 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in December (589 mm).
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
