Ibonia Estate AA

FARM: Ibonia Estate

LOCATION: Kiambu, Kenya

ALTITUDE: 1750 MASL

VARIETY: SL-34, Ruiru 11

PROCESSES: Washed

Tasting Notes: Strawberry, Apple, Earl Grey, Toffee

Ibonia Estate (Imani) covers a total area of 197.5 hectares, with 114 hectares dedicated to forest, dams, marshland, roads, and labor housing. Located approximately 3km from Kiambu town and 13 km north of Nairobi, the estate sits at an altitude of 1,725 meters above sea level. The land features deep, well-drained red volcanic soils, specifically Nitisols and Andosols, which are highly fertile and provide ideal conditions for coffee production.

The climate is generally cool, with particularly cold and wet periods occurring between May and July. These conditions slow cherry development and extend the maturation period, ultimately enhancing cup quality. The estate cultivates two Arabica varieties: SL34 and Ruiru 11. Over a five-year average, production reaches approximately 157 tons. About 20% of the harvest is classified as early crop, picked from April to August, while the remaining 80% is harvested as late crop between October and December.

Processing begins with handpicked ripe red cherries, which are pulped on the day of harvest. The coffee undergoes full fermentation and washing before being thoroughly dried and stored in well-ventilated bins. To manage environmental impact, the estate operates an efficient water recirculation system consisting of 16 lagoons in series, designed to purify wastewater from the pulping process.

The natural forest ecosystem on the estate remains well-preserved, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna across both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Farmers are encouraged to protect indigenous species, and the region is home to wildlife such as snakes, deer, hares, weaverbirds, owls, and hawks. Native plant species, including fig, cordia, croton, and neem trees, thrive throughout the property.