“In 1904, the German missionaries introduced coffee to Rwanda,” began Fiston Tuyisenge, our tour guide, his words weaving a narrative that transported us through time.
According to a story written by Clara Orina, published on, theeastafrican.co.ke, she narrated how the country’s coffee journey has grown in leaps and bound.
We stood within the tranquil confines of Kinunu Guest House, nestled in the embrace of the Lake Kivu coffee plantation, home to the renowned Boneza Coffee Brand. Before us lay a tableau of coffee beans, from raw and unripe to fully mature, vividly illustrating the intricate journey these beans embark upon before being transformed into the elixir we all cherish.
“They brought it from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, and endeavored to encourage Rwandans to cultivate this precious bean. Their first venture was in the western province, in Mibirizi, which would later bear the name Rusizi District. The second was in Nyundo parish, today known as Rubavu, and the third was in Kanage, now Rutsiro district,” he continued.
With this gentle guidance, Rwandans commenced the cultivation of coffee trees. By 1922, the inaugural coffee factory emerged in the western realms of Rwanda, christened Nkora Washing Station. This transformative step allowed Rwanda to export dried beans rather than the red cherries, marking a significant milestone. In 1954, another factory was established in Kigali, aptly named Masaka.
Fiston elaborated, “Today, we proudly count 400,000 coffee farmers who nurture 30 million coffee trees. Annually, we harvest between 20,000 and 22,000 metric tonnes of this cherished bean.”
The world of travel has been evolving, and experiential tourism, which immerses visitors in authentic cultural experiences, is on the rise. Many nations are embracing agritourism, a synergy of agriculture and tourism that invites visitors to farms and agricultural businesses for education, entertainment, and connection with local culture.
Rwanda has also recognized the potential of agritourism and has taken significant strides in this direction. “We initiated coffee tours in 2010 in response to the curiosity of tourists eager to explore the world of this cash crop. These tours have evolved into comprehensive packages, offering tourists an insight into the entire coffee journey, from plant to cup,” explained Fiston.
These enlightening tours are available for $20 per person, and they come with picturesque views of Lake Kivu. Additionally, visitors can opt for a boat tour, allowing them to savor breathtaking vistas of the lake and its surrounding islands. The tour typically spans two hours, providing ample time to absorb the nuances of coffee cultivation. For those seeking a deeper immersion, Kinunu Guest House offers a cozy stay.
However, coffee is not the sole star of Rwanda’s agritourism spectacle. In the southwestern region, visitors can savor the scenic beauty of tea estates nestled within Nyungwe Forest. Situated at a lofty altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level, Nyungwe Forest boasts the distinction of being one of Africa’s oldest ice forests, and the tea produced here ranks among the world’s finest.
A journey through Nyungwe unveils Ivomo, a social enterprise designed for community-based tourism. After a moderate hike to Ndambarare Waterfall, one of the many hiking trails at Nyungwe National Park, our group was treated to stunning vistas of tea plantations and the lush forest. It was an experience so captivating that it temporarily erased the chill creeping into our feet as we descended the hill in search of the waterfall.
At Ivomo, we met Rick Masumbuko, who regaled us with melodies before sharing the plantation’s history and guiding us through the tea museum. Inside, we marveled at artifacts that narrated the tale of Rwanda’s tea journey: the original hurricane lamp used by the founders, a vintage bicycle, a ceremonial calabash for wedding milk, and a traditional machete for tea pruning.
Rick provided insight into the history of Rwandan tea: “Much like coffee, tea found its way to Rwanda in the early 20th century, courtesy of German missionaries. Since then, the Rwandan tea industry has flourished, transforming the nation into a prominent tea-producing country in East Africa.”
As Rwanda continues to champion agritourism, it not only showcases its rich agricultural heritage but also offers travelers an opportunity to connect with local communities. The fusion of cultural immersion and picturesque landscapes makes Rwanda a burgeoning hub for coffee and tea tourism, an experience that goes far beyond sipping a cup of joe or a brew of tea.
