In short: Kyimbila is a tea estate in Tanzania's Mbeya region, operated by Wakulima Tea Co and known to supply the UK supermarket chain Morrisons.
Kyimbila is a tea estate in the Mbeya region of southern Tanzania, operated by Wakulima Tea Co. Situated at 1,391 metres above sea level, the estate produces both black and green tea. It is recorded as a supplier to Morrisons, the UK supermarket chain.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,391 metres elevation in Tanzania's southern highlands, Kyimbila occupies a mid-altitude zone where tea cultivation typically benefits from moderate diurnal temperature variation and reliable rainfall patterns associated with the East African interior. Estates at this latitude—roughly nine degrees south of the equator—generally experience relatively consistent day-length year-round, which tends to support steady vegetative growth without the pronounced seasonal dormancy seen at higher latitudes.
The Mbeya region's topography and proximity to inland water systems often contribute to localised microclimates that can influence flush frequency and leaf development. Mid-altitude sites of this kind in East Africa typically produce teas with balanced astringency and body, though specific soil composition, aspect, and management practices play decisive roles in the final character of the leaf.
Tea Produced
Kyimbila produces both black and green tea. Black teas from mid-altitude Tanzanian estates generally offer a bright, clean cup with moderate strength and a brisk character that appeals to blenders seeking consistency. Green tea production from estates in this region is less commonly documented, but the same leaf material that yields a crisp black tea tends to translate into a light, vegetal green style when processed accordingly. The balance between astringency and body typical of this elevation often lends itself to versatile use in both retail blends and branded lines.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Kyimbila is recorded as a supplier to Morrisons, one of the United Kingdom's major supermarket chains. This relationship places the estate within a supply chain serving a mass-market retail outlet, where consistent quality, food-safety compliance, and competitive pricing are essential. Supply to a UK grocer of Morrisons' scale suggests that Kyimbila's output meets the volume and traceability requirements demanded by modern retail procurement, and that the estate's certifications and audit history—though not publicly detailed—have satisfied the buyer's due diligence processes.
- Recorded supplier to Morrisons
Operator
Wakulima Tea Co operates Kyimbila and is recorded as the operator of one other estate in our directory. The company's presence in Tanzania's southern highlands indicates a focused regional footprint, though public information regarding its ownership structure, total managed acreage, and processing infrastructure remains limited.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
KYIMBILA lies at -9.2879, 33.6519 in Mbeya region, Tanzania United Republic Of. Its 1391 m elevation is the 13th highest of 17 estates we map in Tanzania United Republic Of. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Katumba tea estate — 7.7 km away · Mbeya
- Mmwakaleli Tea Company — 20 km away · Mbeya
- MWAKALELI — 20 km away
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory- Njombe — 150 km away · Ninga
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory — 150 km away · Ninga
Estates at a Similar Altitude to KYIMBILA
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match KYIMBILA (1,391 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. KYIMBILA recorded 1,902 mm in 2025, 37% less than the 3,013 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dewata Tea Estate | Kab. Bandung, Indonesia | 1,391 m | 2,942 mm | 22.8 °C |
| Horana Plantations, Stockholm | Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka | 1,390 m | 3,868 mm | 21.9 °C |
| Agarapatana Plantations, Glenanore | Uva Province, Sri Lanka | 1,387 m | 2,188 mm | 23.3 °C |
| Gorkha Tea Estate Pvt Ltd | Sunperpani Fikkal, Nepal | 1,386 m | 2,277 mm | 20.5 °C |
| Vagavurrai Super Tea Estate | Gundumalai, India | 1,397 m | 3,791 mm | 22.5 °C |
KYIMBILA Compared with Tanzania United Republic Of
In Tanzania United Republic Of, KYIMBILA is wetter than 81% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 75% of the others by elevation; cooler than 62% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets KYIMBILA against the 16 other estates we map in Tanzania United Republic Of, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | KYIMBILA | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,391 m | 1,602 m | 7 to 1,963 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,902 mm | 1,094 mm | 628 to 2,554 mm |
| Mean daily high | 21.6 °C | 21.6 °C | 19.4 to 30.4 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.6 °C | 13.8 °C | 11.6 to 23.7 °C |
Observed Climate at KYIMBILA (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for KYIMBILA’s coordinates recorded 1,902 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was May (416 mm) and the driest was September (8 mm). Daytime highs averaged 21.6 °C and overnight lows 14.6 °C over the year; October was the warmest month and July the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,902 mm |
| Wettest month | May (416 mm) |
| Driest month | September (8 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 21.6 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.6 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is KYIMBILA located?
KYIMBILA is in Mbeya region, Tanzania United Republic Of, at coordinates -9.2879, 33.6519, at an elevation of about 1391 metres.
Who operates KYIMBILA?
KYIMBILA is operated by Wakulima Tea Co, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does KYIMBILA produce?
KYIMBILA is recorded as producing black and green tea.
Which buyers does KYIMBILA supply?
Public supplier disclosures record KYIMBILA as supplying Morrisons.
How much rain does KYIMBILA receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,902 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in May (416 mm).
How does KYIMBILA compare with estates at a similar elevation?
KYIMBILA recorded 1,902 mm in 2025, 37% less rain than the 3,013 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
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].