Coffee Plantation Tours in Rwanda

Coffee Plantation Tours offer a unique experience for tourists planning their safari adventures, providing them with a magical journey from crop to cup and leaving them with unforgettable memories. Rwanda’s coffee, a major cash crop that constitutes 95% of the country’s agricultural output, is globally acclaimed for its high-quality Arabica Varietal Bourbon. This coffee is noted for its silky, creamy body, with hints of lemon, orange blossom, and caramel aftertaste. This exceptional quality is attributed to Rwanda’s geographical advantages—situated just beneath the equator at high altitudes with mountainous terrain and rich volcanic soils. These conditions ensure consistent temperatures and fertile soils, ideal for cultivating top-quality coffee beans.

Discovering the Natural Beauty and Coffee Culture of Rwanda

These tours not only allow tourists to explore the meticulous, organic brewing processes but also to experience the enchanting natural beauty, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes that envelope the plantations, making every visit to Rwanda’s coffee estates a fascinating and immersive experience.

Where Do Coffee Plantation Tours Typically Take Place?

Coffee Plantation Tours typically take place in the Northern and Western Provinces, particularly the crop-to-cup experience along the shores of Lake Kivu. The journey begins with a boat cruise from Gisenyi, a resort town on the lake’s edge. This early morning voyage offers stunning views of Mount Nyiragongo emerging from the shadows in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As you cruise, enjoy the sight of numerous birds on the lake’s islands and the refreshing breeze off the freshwater. The tour continues to Nyamirundi Island, renowned for its world-class, full-bodied coffee grown on steep, rolling hills by local cooperatives, notably the Ingoboka. Throughout the trip, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking scenery of the lush hills and landscapes where these extensive coffee plantations lie, along with many other captivating sights as you navigate the serene blue waters of Lake Kivu.

A Close Encounter with Coffee Production

Upon arriving at Nyamirundi Island, you’ll visit the impressive coffee plantations managed by the Ingoboka Rwandan cooperative, which significantly supports the local economy. This cooperative boasts over 2,000 members who own small coffee farms on the island. During your tour, you’ll engage directly with local farmers, participating in informative sessions about the coffee growing process and the entire production chain from crop to cup. This includes picking ripe coffee beans, and following their journey to the washing station where the coffee is washed, sorted, pulped, fermented, and graded according to strict quality standards. Additionally, you’ll experience an open fire coffee roasting and conclude with a coffee tasting session, which promises to enhance your understanding of Rwanda’s fine, unique, and exquisite coffee enjoyed worldwide.

Planning Your Tour

Please note, this adventure to the coffee plantations is not organized by the coffee farmers or cooperatives themselves. To ensure a well-planned and memorable experience, it is recommended to arrange your trip through a reputable tour operator in Rwanda, such as Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris. Including this exceptional activity with other tour plans will undoubtedly make your entire adventure in Rwanda unforgettable, filled with remarkable moments.