In short: Mwakaleli is a tea estate in Tanzania's Mbeya region, operated by Wakulima Tea Co, and recorded as a supplier to the British supermarket chain Morrisons.
Mwakaleli is a tea estate located in the Mbeya region of Tanzania, at an elevation of 1,611 metres. The estate is operated by Wakulima Tea Co, and is recorded as supplying Morrisons, the British supermarket chain. The estate produces both black and green teas.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,611 metres above sea level in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, estates at this elevation typically experience moderate temperatures and a diurnal range that tends to slow leaf development. The Mbeya region lies in a zone where altitudes above 1,500 metres generally benefit from cooler nights, which can encourage the accumulation of certain polyphenols and amino acids in the leaf. Rainfall patterns in this part of Tanzania typically show marked wet and dry seasons, shaping a growing cycle with periods of vigorous flush and dormancy.
This elevation and latitude combination tends to produce a growing environment that balances warmth and coolness, often yielding teas with moderate astringency and body. Estates in the Mbeya region generally harvest year-round where irrigation and microclimates permit, though peak quality flush periods often align with the onset of rains. The volcanic soils common to parts of the Southern Highlands typically offer good drainage and mineral content, factors that can influence root health and nutrient uptake.
Tea Produced
Mwakaleli produces both black and green teas. Black teas from estates at this elevation in the Mbeya region tend to yield a cup with moderate body and brightness, often displaying a clean, straightforward character without the heavier maltiness found at lower altitudes. Green teas from Tanzanian highland estates generally show a lighter, more vegetal profile, though processing variables play a significant role in final cup character. The cooler growing conditions at over 1,600 metres can contribute to a balance of briskness and smoothness in the liquor, though individual lot quality will vary with season, plucking standard, and factory practice.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Mwakaleli is recorded as supplying Morrisons, one of the United Kingdom's major supermarket chains. This relationship places the estate within the supply chain for competitively priced retail tea, where consistency, traceability, and volume reliability are key procurement criteria. Supplying a large British retailer suggests that Mwakaleli meets the food safety, quality assurance, and ethical sourcing standards typically required by UK multiples, though the precise terms of that supply relationship are not publicly detailed.
- Recorded supplier to Morrisons
Operator
Wakulima Tea Co operates Mwakaleli and one other estate recorded in this directory. The company's presence in the Tanzanian tea sector reflects participation in a national industry that has grown significantly since liberalisation in the 1990s. Further details on the structure, ownership, and operational scale of Wakulima Tea Co are not publicly available in the verified record.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
MWAKALELI lies at -9.1500, 33.7667 in Mbeya region, Tanzania United Republic Of. Its 1611 m elevation is the 8th 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:
- Mmwakaleli Tea Company — 3.4 km away · Mbeya
- Katumba tea estate — 16 km away · Mbeya
- KYIMBILA — 20 km away
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory- Njombe — 136 km away · Ninga
- Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory — 136 km away · Ninga
Estates at a Similar Altitude to MWAKALELI
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match MWAKALELI (1,611 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. MWAKALELI recorded 1,944 mm in 2025, 21% less than the 2,447 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeyok Tea Garden | Mirik, India | 1,612 m | 2,552 mm | 19.4 °C |
| Dessford Tea Estate | Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka | 1,612 m | 3,152 mm | 21.2 °C |
| Madupatty Tea Estate | Mattupetty, India | 1,606 m | 2,773 mm | 21.3 °C |
| Kayu Aro Tea Estate | Kerinci Regency, Indonesia | 1,618 m | 3,130 mm | 21.1 °C |
| KABAMBE | Iringa, Tanzania United Republic Of | 1,618 m | 628 mm | 25.4 °C |
MWAKALELI Compared with Tanzania United Republic Of
In Tanzania United Republic Of, MWAKALELI is wetter than 88% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 56% of the others by elevation; cooler than 81% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets MWAKALELI 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 | MWAKALELI | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,611 m | 1,576 m | 7 to 1,963 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,944 mm | 1,094 mm | 628 to 2,554 mm |
| Mean daily high | 19.8 °C | 21.6 °C | 19.4 to 30.4 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 13.3 °C | 14.3 °C | 11.6 to 23.7 °C |
Observed Climate at MWAKALELI (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for MWAKALELI’s coordinates recorded 1,944 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was December (361 mm) and the driest was September (3 mm). Daytime highs averaged 19.8 °C and overnight lows 13.3 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and July the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,944 mm |
| Wettest month | December (361 mm) |
| Driest month | September (3 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 19.8 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 13.3 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is MWAKALELI located?
MWAKALELI is in Mbeya region, Tanzania United Republic Of, at coordinates -9.1500, 33.7667, at an elevation of about 1611 metres.
Who operates MWAKALELI?
MWAKALELI is operated by Wakulima Tea Co, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does MWAKALELI produce?
MWAKALELI is recorded as producing black and green tea.
Which buyers does MWAKALELI supply?
Public supplier disclosures record MWAKALELI as supplying Morrisons.
How much rain does MWAKALELI receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,944 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in December (361 mm).
How does MWAKALELI compare with estates at a similar elevation?
MWAKALELI recorded 1,944 mm in 2025, 21% less rain than the 2,447 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].