I love finding the hidden gems wherever I travel. I also love locally made products, particularly soaps and other self care items. So when I found out we could visit the farm where The Safari Collection sources their luxury bath products, I was all in! I’d never visited an essential oils farm before, so this was a fun, new experience for me. We truly enjoyed our visit, and I highly recommend that you schedule a tour if you’re ever in the area. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Cinnabar Green Farm in Kenya!
Where is it located?
This husband and wife-owned farm and shop are located in Nanyuki, Kenya, just north of the Equator, in central Kenya. This is only about 45 minutes from Solio Lodge by the Safari Collection, in Laikipia. While we were in the area, we also did a little local souvenir shopping and got our photo taken at the Equator. A visit to Cinnabar Green can easily become a great day trip!
More here: What It’s Like Staying at Solio Lodge by the Safari Collection
What’s in the fields?
A better question is: What’s not in their fields? On your visit here, you’ll be introduced to rows and rows of lavender, tea tree, thyme, lemon verbena, basil, and–their most popular scent–geranium! We walked the fields while one of the owners explained how each type of plant is grown and harvested, new plants they’re trying out, how the essential oils work, and what benefits they’re known for. We found it fascinating! My favorite part, though? Definitely enjoying the scents. We were allowed to pick a leaf or sprig of anything, crush it in our hands, and breathe in the truly fresh scent. Even my little girl got into it!
Also helpful: Tips for Your Safari at Solio Conservancy
How do they get the essential oils out?
After touring the fields, we went to the processing area. You might be surprised to find that the process by which essential oils are extracted is… Distilling! As you might imagine, it takes a lot of leaves and buds to create just one bottle of essential oil, which is why they are relatively expensive for the amount you can purchase. The process takes time as well, so the amount of work to create these oils really adds up!
Read on: How to Visit the Rhino Orphanage at Solio Conservancy
Can I see how they make the soap?
Yes! This was one of my favorite parts. We were able to see the place where they create their solid soaps. Operations were not running the day we visited, due to administrative tasks that had to be done that day, but they did show us each step, the ingredients they use (all natural, of course) , and how their bars of soap are cut and cured. I’m always taken aback by how long it takes to cure soaps. It’s weeks! And I usually use up a bar in just one week!
Read next: The Best Things to Do at Solio Lodge
Is there a cost to visit?
Yes, there is, but 100% of the payment is donated to the local girls’ school. The cost is $25 USD per person, payable by cash or card, with a $100 minimum. You’ll need to schedule your tour in advance, either through their contact form on the Cinnabar Green Website, or through Solio Lodge if you’ll be staying with them. We felt the experience was well worth the donation. We were even greeted with tea, fruit-infused water, homemade beet hummus, chips, and lavender shortbread after the tour.
More here: The Best Things We Ate at Solio Lodge
Can I shop their products onsite?
Yes! They have an onsite shop. I love supporting local businesses wherever I travel, and that goes double for businesses making body care products. These make the best gifts for friends and family back home, and it’s nice to be able to do something good for yourself that reminds you of your travels. I went home with the most luxurious facial moisturizer cream and several bars of soap! If I’d planned to check a bag, I would have also purchased several bottles of various lotions. I still might order them now that I’m home!
Keep reading: How to Get Your Kenyan eVisa (with a special note to single parents)
Can I shop Cinnabar Green’s products elsewhere?
Yes! You can find Cinnabar Green’s products at all of The Safari Collection’s properties. In addition, you’ll find them at retail shops in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya, as well as in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, England, and Belgium. You can find a complete list of retailers here. You can, of course, also shop online. Orders are shipped worldwide via DHL. Get something nice for yourself, and for your friends and family back home!
More here: 10 Things You Forgot to Pack for Your Safari
Want more? Check out my dedicated Kenya Page!
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