Rwanda Coffee Tours
Rwandan Coffee is one of the main cash crops that the country exports, and coffee experts worldwide have attested to its high quality, making Rwanda coffee tours a popular choice for tourists. The coffee, primarily Arabica Varietal Bourbon, boasts a silky creamy body with hints of lemon, orange blossom, and caramel aftertaste, thanks to the fertile volcanic soils it grows in. This has led many tourists to include these enriching coffee tour experiences in their Rwandan safari adventures.
Historical Background of Coffee in Rwanda
Coffee cultivation in Rwanda dates back to 1904 when missionaries introduced coffee trees. Since then, the Rwandan community has embraced coffee growing and production, which now involves over 450,000 small growers across the country. This includes the farm communities in the Northwest around the Lake Kivu shores, which have become central to the tourism experiences offered by the country.
The Heart of Rwandan Coffee Tours
The picturesque rolling hillsides and landscapes around Gisenyi, near the shores of Lake Kivu, are a prime location for Rwanda Coffee Tours. These areas shimmer green year-round, with coffee cherries turning deep cranberry red during the harvest season from February to May. These regions are not only beautiful but also offer educative tours through the Rwandan cooperatives that manage the coffee farms and washing stations.
Key Locations for Coffee Tours
Most Rwanda Coffee Tours take place in the beautiful plantations and washing stations near Lake Kivu. Notable spots include the Ingoboka cooperative near Kayove, and the Kinunu washing station directly on the shores of Lake Kivu, which is accessible by boat or bicycle. These locations offer breathtaking views and direct interactions with the coffee production processes.
For tourists seeking a deeper insight into Rwandan coffee, the KZ Noir washing station plays a pivotal role. It distributes coffee from various cooperatives and farms across the country and has multiple washing stations including Cyebumba, Nkora, and Rugamba along the northern lake shore, as well as Shangi, Cyivugiza, and Cyiya south of Karongi. However, these cooperatives and washing stations do not organize tours themselves, so it’s essential to book through a tour operator.
When’s the Best Time for a Rwandan Coffee Tour?
The ideal time for a Rwanda Coffee Tour is during the harvest season when the beans are ripe and cranberry red. This allows visitors to participate in the picking process alongside farmers who expertly select the best beans. Visiting during the budding season when beans are still green might limit the harvesting experience but offers an opportunity to engage in other processing stages at the washing stations.
You will wrap up your Rwanda Coffee Tour by taking some brewed Coffee to taste the unique, exquisite and award winning finest Coffee grown and processed in Rwanda and this will make your safari a wonderful adventure.
