Our story
Rooted in West Africa.
Shared from San Francisco.
Saafara Herbal Teas was founded in San Francisco in 2011 with a simple purpose: to introduce the distinctive herbal teas, fruits, and botanicals of West Africa to a wider audience.
Our collection is inspired by generations of traditional knowledge and everyday tea culture across Senegal and the surrounding region. Botanicals such as Sehhaw (Kinkeliba), Hibiscus (Bissap), Moringa (Nébéday), Guiera (Guer), Jambakatan, and Baobab have long been prepared and enjoyed in West African homes and communities.
West African botanicals selected for their authentic character, aroma, and connection to place.
From Senegal to your cup
Botanicals with a distinct sense of place
We believe these remarkable ingredients deserve to be experienced in their own right. We carefully select leaves, flowers, fruits, and botanical powders for their natural character, distinctive aromas, and authentic connection to the places where they have traditionally been enjoyed.
From the smooth, earthy character of Sehhaw to the lively tartness of Hibiscus and the refreshing fruitiness of Baobab, each product offers a new way to discover West African flavor. Some are enjoyed as single-botanical infusions, while others are thoughtfully paired with mint, ginger, lemongrass, eucalyptus, cloves, or citrus peel.
Many Saafara herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and can be enjoyed throughout the day—served hot, chilled over ice, or prepared according to familiar West African traditions.
Tea becomes meaningful through the moments and people gathered around it.
A tradition of hospitality
Made for everyday discovery
For us, tea is more than a beverage. It is a moment to pause, welcome a guest, share conversation, and connect across generations.
Our goal is to preserve the identity of West African botanicals while presenting them in a way that feels approachable to customers discovering them for the first time. We provide botanical names, traditional names, flavor descriptions, and preparation guidance so every cup becomes an invitation to learn and explore.
Our commitment
Heritage presented with care
Saafara is committed to sharing carefully selected West African herbal teas and botanicals with respect for their origins and cultural heritage.
Ingredients rooted in West African food and tea traditions.
Herbs, flowers, fruits, and powders chosen for character and quality.
Helpful botanical, flavor, and preparation information.
Honoring the communities and traditions behind every plant we share.
Whether you grew up drinking Bissap and Kinkeliba or are discovering these botanicals for the first time, we invite you to explore their aromas, flavors, and traditions.
Saafara brings the botanical heritage of West Africa to your cup, one infusion at a time.
Explore the collection