Where to find tea plantations
Rwanda's tea is grown across the western highlands and northern volcanic foothills, at altitudes of 1,600m to 2,600m. Many estates welcome visitors for guided tours, factory visits and immersive tea experiences.
Nyungwe Tea Trail
One of Africa's most scenic tea trails, winding through lush plantations on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trail offers guided walks through rolling tea hills with panoramic views of the ancient montane rainforest. Visitors can observe tea plucking, learn about sustainable farming, and enjoy freshly brewed Rwandan tea at viewpoint pavilions.
- Guided 2-3 hour plantation walks
- Panoramic views of Nyungwe Forest canopy
- Tea plucking experience with local farmers
- Freshly brewed tea tasting at hillside pavilions
- Birdwatching along the forest-plantation boundary
- Community cultural performances on request
Gisovu Tea Estate
Perched on one of Rwanda's most beautiful hillsides, Gisovu Tea Estate offers breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and the Congo-Nile Divide. The estate has been producing premium CTC and orthodox teas since 1969. Visitors can tour the factory, walk through terraced plantations, and sample award-winning teas while enjoying one of the most scenic tea landscapes in East Africa.
- Factory tour showing CTC and orthodox production
- Terraced plantation walk with Lake Kivu views
- Tea cupping and tasting session
- Historical overview of Rwanda's tea industry
- Photography opportunities at the Congo-Nile Divide
Sorwathe Tea Plantation
Sorwathe is Rwanda's first privately owned tea company and a pioneer in specialty tea production. Located in the green hills of Rulindo District, the estate is known for producing hand-rolled orthodox teas that have won multiple international awards. The visitor experience includes a walk through the organic tea gardens, a hands-on rolling demonstration, and a comparative tasting of CTC versus orthodox teas.
- Organic tea garden walk
- Hand-rolling demonstration by master craftsmen
- Comparative CTC vs orthodox tasting
- Insight into fair trade and Rainforest Alliance practices
- Nearby Cyamudongo Forest chimpanzee habitat
Pfunda Tea Factory & Plantation
Situated near the vibrant city of Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, Pfunda Tea Factory combines industrial heritage with stunning lakeside scenery. The plantation stretches across rolling hills just minutes from the beach, making it a unique stop for travelers on the Lake Kivu circuit. The factory processes green leaf from thousands of smallholder farmers in the region.
- Factory processing tour
- Plantation walk with Lake Kivu backdrop
- Meet smallholder tea farmers
- Combine with Lake Kivu beach visit
- Close to Gisenyi hot springs
Mata Tea Plantation
Mata is one of Rwanda's highest-altitude tea plantations, producing some of the country's finest green tea. Nestled beneath the Virunga volcanoes, the cool mountain climate and mineral-rich volcanic soils give Mata teas their distinctive character. The cooperative-run estate offers authentic cultural experiences alongside the tea tour.
- Highest-altitude tea gardens in Rwanda
- Green tea specialty production
- Volcanic soil and Virunga mountain backdrop
- Cooperative-run with community involvement
- Traditional Rwandan cooking experience available
- Close to Volcanoes National Park (gorilla trekking)
Mulindi Tea Estate
Mulindi Tea Estate is one of Rwanda's oldest and most historically significant tea plantations. Recently modernized with a $3 million upgrade, the factory now produces both CTC and orthodox teas. The estate is also near the Mulindi Genocide Memorial, offering visitors a reflective and educational experience alongside the tea tour.
- Newly modernized factory tour
- CTC and orthodox production lines
- Historical significance - one of Rwanda's oldest estates
- Nearby Mulindi Genocide Memorial
- Rolling green hills of Northern Province