Rwanda Coffee and Tea Tours: Washing Stations, Plantations and Tasting

Coffee is a major export in Rwanda, grown by smallholders on hillsides at high altitude. After harvesting, cherries are sorted, washed and dried at washing stations, where visitors can follow each step and taste the finished coffee. Several cooperatives welcome tourists by arrangement.

Tea plantations cover large areas of south-western Rwanda, especially near Nyungwe Forest. Pickers move through the rows by hand, and tours explain how leaves are withered, rolled and dried. Walking between tea terraces, with the forest as a backdrop, is a relaxing complement to a primate trek in Nyungwe.

This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Coffee Experiences

Visits typically include a walk through the plantation, a demonstration of picking and sorting and a cupping session. During harvest season you may see cherries drying on raised beds. Buying beans directly supports the cooperative.

Tea Experiences

Tea tours often include a walk among the bushes, a visit to the factory and a tasting at the end. Some lodges are set within plantations, with views of the green terraces from the rooms.

Planning a Visit

Most visits are arranged through your operator or lodge. Combine them with Lake Kivu or a forest trip, and see our guide to Rwandan food and drink.

Planning Rwanda with Uganda? Tell us your dates and we will combine both countries in one smooth itinerary, with transfers and permits arranged.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team