About Us

About Us 

There is something magical about a cup of tea. It is more than just a drink. It is a journey, a story, a connection to the land and the hands that nurtured it. Nowhere is this magic more alive than in Africa, a continent where tea thrives in the embrace of misty mountains, ancient volcanic soils, and the rhythm of nature itself. Africa is the 3rd largest tea producer in the world. 
For centuries, tea has been an unsung hero of African heritage, carrying the essence of the land in every sip. It is here, in the highlands of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, rural West Africa and beyond, that tea grows wild and free, nourished by the purest rainwaters and fertile, toxin-free earth untouched by industrial pollution. 
These lands have quietly produced some of the most exquisite and bold teas the world has ever known—each with its own distinct personality, shaped by the sun, the soil, the altitude, and the soul of the people who cultivate African teas.

A Legacy of Tea & Trade: Grandma Lulu Caranda & Family
This book is not just about tea, it is about a legacy, a story woven through generations. Grandma Lulu Caranda, whose roots in the African tea trade stretch back to the 1940s, were among the early visionaries who saw the true potential of African tea. From the bustling trade routes of West Africa to the flourishing estates of the East African highlands, the Caranda Family journey through the world of tea was one of adventure, resilience, and deep respect for the land and People. With each leaf traded, the Caranda family carried the essence of Africa to new lands, introducing the world to teas with soul: the bold, malty strength of a Kenyan black tea, the delicate floral whispers of a Tanzanian Usambara green tea, the rare and complex flavors of Malawian white tea, and the rich, spiced infusion of Ethiopian brews.

Today, this legacy lives on—not just in history, but in the hands of thousands of African women farmers who wake before dawn, tending to their tea fields with the same ancestral wisdom and gentle precision that has sustained tea in Africa for centuries. Their hands, strong yet delicate, pick each leaf at the perfect moment, ensuring that what reaches your cup is nothing short of perfection. To celebrate this tradition our Founder Doughba Hamilton Caranda-Martin Created several ventures support the continuation of African Tea Celebration for all.   

 

African Tea Habitat      
Unlike the crowded, overworked plantations of other tea-growing regions globally, Africa offers a rare sanctuary for tea to thrive as nature intended. The mountains and valleys where these teas grow are rich, alive, and self-sustaining, impacting the planet’s greenhouse gases.  With Tea Farming Ecology Practices.

Our Founder
Doughba H. Caranda-Martin III, is the Founder of Serengeti Teas and Provisions, raised in New York City with Liberian roots. He is committed to coop African farmers, improving food security, renewable energy alternatives, he created CMF Group to impact rural African ventures, and foster agricultural jobs in the regions he works in. Caranda goal is to impact African concession opportunities, in the areas of agricultural commodities, alternative energy, Impact Development Projects, and convert post-harvest waste while reducing carbon emissions and prioritizing environmental sustainability. With over 20 years of experience in the United States, Asia and Africa, he aims to impact Communities Serengeti Teas and Provisions work in. Scaling agricultural and natural resource capacity. Using technology, focusing on agriculture community development. 

Prioritizing climate mitigation protocols, environmental conservation, rural broadband access, affordable housing, youth empowerment, and education for Tea, Coffee, Cocoa farming regions of Africa. Caranda background in Communications, Contemporary Art, Fabrication, Industrial Design and Packaging Design at the School of Visual Arts, City University of New York enables his firsthand approach to development projects. Featured in major collections and museums, including the University of Delaware Museum, University of Michigan, Ringling Museum, and San Antonio Museum of Art, and he was a part of the Biennale Dak-Art 2012 Delegation from the USA representing Africa. Caranda, through his work in tea, coffee, cocoa farming and agro-food processing, participates in infrastructure farming coop development. Caranda adheres to EU/USDA/FDA regulations and is experienced with training from the NYC Department of Health and Cornell University Food Safety program for food and agricultural industries. Awarded a New York City Council Citation for Impact, 2017 from the office of NY State Senator H.E. Bill Perkins of the 9th District of The City of New York, USA. Caranda founded Serengeti Teas and Provisions, to distribute African wellness botanicals, teas, coffees, and cocoa products. Supporting smallholder farmers, His work has been highlighted multiple times by the New York Times, The Guardian, and CNN. He emphasizes ecological practices and prioritizes women’s participation in the value chain. A fifth-generation entrepreneur, activist, and farmer, raised in a family deeply committed to Liberia’s cultural and societal progress—his grandfather served as Advocate General under Tubman, his uncle John Caranda served as legal advocate to the Liberian Community, Doughba C. Caranda II, his father who pioneered the iconic Roots and Rhythm Radio/TV program at ELBC-Liberia. A legacy continues through ventures merging sustainability, and community impact. Doughba H. Caranda-Martin III, has also gained recognition as a TED Africa Fellow, South African Chambers of Commerce Africa Platform Fellow, and lecturer on climate, industrial hemp alternative economy, agriculture, art, post war conflict resolution, and African economic empowerment. He has presented at institutions such as Columbia University and the Vance Center for International Justice – The theafpc.org Conference, 2023 UN General Assembly, and US-Africa Municipal and Sub Sovereign Investors Roundtable – The UCLG Africa, 2024 UN General Assembly.  

Climate & African Tea 
The natural mist, rainfall, and high-altitude conditions create an environment where tea plants flourish organically, absorbing the minerals and nutrients from the deep volcanic earth. This results in teas that are purer, healthier, and more vibrant in taste, a true reflection of the untouched African Valleys, plains and wilderness they come from.
With every sip, you taste the land, the citrus-bright tang of Kenyan tea, the honeyed earthiness of Malawian leaves, the spice-kissed warmth of Indigenous South African rooibos and the dashing ruby succulent taste of hibiscus tea an African favorite or the amazing burst of Moroccan mint that sooths. Each variety carries the spirit of its origin, a liquid love letter from Africa, and the unstoppable African Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa farmers for your enjoyment. African Tea, An Impact to Climate Change. African tea farmers serve the planet as Carbon sequestrators. Carbon Sequestration – Tea as a Natural Carbon Sink - African Tea plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, helping reduce greenhouse gases. 

Preventing Deforestation & Promoting Biodiversity
Many high-altitude tea-growing regions (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Ethiopia, Uganda) are in biodiverse ecosystems that naturally support tree cover. Shade-grown tea plantations help maintain forest corridors for wildlife. Agroforestry tea systems integrate trees with tea cultivation, preventing habitat loss and soil degradation.

Reducing Soil Erosion & Enhancing Water Conservation
Tea bushes have deep root systems that prevent soil erosion and landslides in hilly regions.
Tea farms that use organic mulch and natural ground cover help retain water, reduce runoff, and prevent desertification. Tea Farms function as natural water filters, improving rural water quality in surrounding ecosystems.

 

Diversity of African Teas
 Africa is not just a land of classic black and green teas—it is a continent of infusions, wellness botanicals, and herbal wellness botanical wisdom passed down through generations. The people of Africa have always understood that tea is not just a beverage but lifestyle wellness ritual, and nourishment for both body and soul.
Rooibos, and Honeybush (South Africa) – Naturally, caffeine-free, packed with antioxidants, and kissed by the wild sun.

Hibiscus (West Africa & Sudan) – Vibrant, ruby-red, tart, and refreshing, used for heart health, celebrations, holidays, and family vitality.

Lemongrass, Turmeric, and Ginger (Across Africa) – Creating soothing digestive tonics, that heal and awakens the senses is honored as the daily remedies throughout the African Continent.

Ethiopian Kuti Tea – A rare, smoky infusion made from coffee leaves, offering both energy, immunity, vitality, and depth.

Baobab, Kinkeleba, and Moringa (Pan-African Superfoods) – Ancient healing botanicals turned into nourishing teas, smoothies and Daily Wellness.

Our Message
Serengeti Teas and Provisions is an invitation, to explore, to taste, to immerse yourself in the beauty of African teas. 
Whether you are drawn to the velvety smooth depth of a Rwandan oolong, the golden amber richness of Tanzanian black tea, or the caffeine-free wonders of indigenous herbal infusions, there is a tea in Africa waiting to become a part of your story.
Through the misty tea gardens, the bustling everyday African urban markets, the hands of the women who make it possible. Celebrate Africa, the land of the boldest, purest, and most extraordinary teas on earth.

Celebrating 16 Years of Excellence with Serengeti Teas & Provisions!
We are thrilled to mark this milestone and extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible community for your unwavering support. Your loyalty has been the foundation of our success, and we are honored to continue serving you with the same passion and dedication.
As we navigate evolving global supply chains and industry shifts, Serengeti Teas & Provisions is embracing an exciting brand transformation, one that reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service. The best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.
Stay connected with us, follow our journey and reach out anytime. Together, let’s raise a cup to the future!
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Welcome to Serengeti Teas and Provisions - The Spirit of African Tea.