Lunji Estate was founded during Tanzania’s colonial era, in 1893, and its coffee history has seen it pass through several owners and managers over time. Being directly at the foot of the Mbeya mountain range, the farm boasts a breathtaking ambience defined by its spectacular view and climate. In 1898 the first coffee trees were planted on the farm, and the block of land was simply called ‘Mbeya block’ by its first owner, a German settler. The settler returned to Europe at the end of the WWI, leaving the management of the farm to the German Colonial Administrator, who ran the farm through to the end of 1971. The farm then passed into the hands of an Indian Family until 1994. At some point during these years, the farm was given the name ‘Lunji,’ which the current owners believe arises from "Ilunji" an ancient name in Safwa (the local tribal language) for a tree that is common in the region. In 1994 Clemens Maier and Thomas Plattner purchased the farm from the previous owner, who had abandoned the farm for many years due to illness. The farm was in a terrible state, since no management had taken place for several years. Work on the farm had stalled, buildings had crumbled down. Clemens and his wife, Stella, agreed to manage the farm and bring it back to life. The family still tells stories of 3 metre long cobras in the shed and puff-adders sunbathing on the windows of the farmhouse. They had to rebuild almost from scratch. Stella was able to develop a very close relationship with the local community, which proved to be crucial for the wellbeing of the farm in numerous situations. Clemens originates from a farming community in Bavaria, Germany and was previously working for the German Aid Development programme. His decision not to return to his family’s dairy farm but rather to apply his technical skills to Lunji has kept the machines running every day. Together they have brought the farm back to life.