Madagascar's only tea plantation
Sahambavy Tea Plantation
520 hectares of tea bushes roll between the lake and the hills. The world's second most consumed drink after water grows here, and nowhere else in Madagascar.
Book a visitFrom Chinese legend to the hills of Sahambavy
If tea is a legendary drink, then its story must begin with a legend. In 2737 BC, leaves from a Camellia sinensis shrub accidentally fell into a cauldron of boiling water belonging to Chinese emperor and herbalist Shen Nong. Impressed by the resulting infusion, he quickly adopted this new beverage, which became an essential part of Chinese culture.
The plantation at a glance
Madagascar's only tea plantation, right on the hotel's doorstep.
Key dates
First legendary infusion in China by Emperor Shen Nong.
Introduction of tea to Madagascar by French colonial authorities.
Arrival of the French Institute of Coffee and Cocoa: scientific research begins.
The European Development Fund finances the plantation's expansion.
The company becomes a state enterprise under the name SOTEMAD.
Return to the private sector with Mauritian investors. Current name: SIDEXAM Sahambavy.
520 hectares, Madagascar's only tea plantation. Green tea development and organic tea project.
Sahambavy, 'women's fields'
Tea arrived in Madagascar through the French colonial period. From the early 20th century, colonial authorities introduced tea cultivation in the Malagasy Highlands. Tea plants were imported from Réunion Island and acclimatised in regions with favourable climates, such as Sahambavy. The name means 'women's fields' in Malagasy, highlighting the key role of women in hand-picking.
Plantation & Factory Visit
Four hours to see it all: the factory and each stage of tea making, a tasting of the different grades, then a walk through the rows of tea bushes to meet the pickers. Book at the hotel reception.
Visit itinerary
- 01Welcome by a plantation guide
- 02Factory tour: discover the tea production stages
- 03Tasting of different tea qualities
- 04Walk through the vast plantation, meet the tea pickers
Local crafts & Vita Malagasy products
Find Vita Malagasy products at the Mami Bio Shop artisan boutique, a genuine showcase of quality local products.
100% natural handmade soaps
We make our own soaps using the traditional cold saponification method, an ancient process. Fully biodegradable, they are crafted from simple, natural, plant-based ingredients.
Plan your excursion
Tell us your dates: reception arranges your visit and confirms by email.