Exploring Rwanda’s Tea Plantations and Hillsides

Rwanda, fondly known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a nation of breathtaking landscapes where rolling green hills seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Beyond its wildlife, gorillas, and lakes, Rwanda hides another treasure — one that’s steeped in tradition, aroma, and gentle rhythm: its tea plantations. These emerald fields are not only among the most scenic in Africa but also form a vital part of Rwanda’s culture, economy, and identity.

Exploring Rwanda’s tea plantations offers travelers a chance to step into a world of tranquility and craftsmanship. Here, misty hills shimmer under morning dew, women in colorful kitenge fabrics gracefully pick tender leaves, and the earthy scent of fresh tea fills the air. From the lush highlands of Nyungwe to the slopes of Gicumbi and the volcanic foothills of Gisovu, Rwanda’s tea-growing regions are living works of art — landscapes that invite visitors to slow down, breathe, and connect with the soul of the countryside.

This is not just a journey of sights and scents; it’s a journey into Rwanda’s beating heart — where every cup of tea tells a story of perseverance, beauty, and community.

The Story of Rwandan Tea

Rwanda’s tea story began in the 1950s, when the country’s cool climate and fertile volcanic soil were recognized as ideal for cultivating high-quality tea. Since then, the industry has blossomed into one of Rwanda’s greatest agricultural successes. Today, the country produces some of the finest black teas in the world, renowned for their bright color, brisk flavor, and delicate aroma.

Tea has become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, employing thousands and contributing significantly to national exports. Yet beyond the numbers lies something deeper — a sense of pride and identity. Tea has woven itself into Rwanda’s cultural fabric, shaping communities and connecting generations through the rhythm of the harvest.

Unlike in many other tea-producing nations, Rwanda’s tea is largely grown by smallholder farmers organized into cooperatives. This model ensures that local families share in the profits and development brought by the tea trade. Visitors to these plantations not only witness the beauty of the fields but also the spirit of community that sustains them.

The Landscape of Green: Rwanda’s Tea-Growing Regions

Rwanda’s topography — characterized by high altitudes, rich volcanic soils, and ample rainfall — provides the perfect environment for tea cultivation. The most prominent tea-growing regions include Gisakura, Gisovu, Nshili, Nyabihu, and Gicumbi, each offering a distinct blend of scenery, culture, and flavor.

Gisakura Tea Plantations – Nyungwe Forest Region

One of the most famous and picturesque tea-growing areas in Rwanda lies near the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park in the country’s southwest. The Gisakura Tea Estate carpets the hills surrounding the forest, creating a stunning contrast between cultivated fields and ancient rainforest.

The estate, dating back to colonial times, is one of Rwanda’s oldest and most productive tea plantations. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the entire tea-making process — from plucking tender leaves in the misty morning to drying and rolling them in the factory.

What makes Gisakura special is its proximity to Nyungwe Forest, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and birds. Standing on the edge of the plantation, you can watch tea pickers at work while listening to the distant calls of primates echoing from the jungle. It’s an extraordinary blend of human cultivation and wild nature.

After the tour, guests can sample freshly brewed Rwandan tea right where it’s made — a warm, fragrant reward for the senses.

Gisovu Tea Estate – The Hills of Karongi

Located in western Rwanda, near the shores of Lake Kivu, the Gisovu Tea Estate is often described as the most scenic tea plantation in the country. The estate sits at altitudes of over 2,000 meters, where the cool air and rich volcanic soil produce exceptionally high-quality tea.

The views here are simply breathtaking — endless green waves of tea bushes rolling across mist-covered hillsides, with Lake Kivu’s shimmering waters glinting in the distance. The plantation is meticulously maintained, giving it the appearance of a living carpet.

Visitors to Gisovu can take a guided factory tour to learn about the meticulous process of tea production. Watching the transformation of freshly plucked leaves into the rich amber brew enjoyed worldwide is both educational and fascinating. The experience often ends with a tea tasting session, where you can compare different grades and blends while savoring the crisp mountain air.

Gicumbi and Nshili – Rwanda’s Northern and Southern Highlands

In the northern highlands near Gicumbi and Byumba, as well as the southern regions around Nshili and Kitabi, tea plantations stretch across steep hillsides, showcasing Rwanda’s agricultural artistry.

The Gicumbi plantations are known for producing some of Rwanda’s finest orthodox teas, hand-rolled and delicately flavored. The region’s high altitude gives the tea a bright, aromatic character that appeals to tea connoisseurs around the world.

In the south, the Nshili Tea Estate, located near the Nyamagabe District, is another highlight. The estate is surrounded by lush valleys and small villages, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Rwandan life. Many travelers combine a tea tour in Nshili with visits to local cooperatives, where women demonstrate traditional tea-picking techniques and share stories about how tea has transformed their livelihoods.

The Art of Tea Making in Rwanda

Visiting Rwanda’s tea plantations is more than just sightseeing — it’s a sensory and cultural experience. Watching the tea-making process unfold from leaf to cup reveals the artistry and precision behind every brew.

1. Plucking: Tea leaves are hand-picked by skilled workers, often women, who move gracefully through the fields in vibrant clothing. Only the top two leaves and a bud are selected — the most tender and flavorful part of the plant.

2. Withering: The fresh leaves are spread out in airy rooms to lose moisture, softening them for the next step.

3. Rolling: The leaves are gently rolled to release natural juices, which begin the fermentation process that gives black tea its distinctive flavor and aroma.

4. Fermentation: The rolled leaves are spread out and left to oxidize. This step determines the tea’s final color, strength, and character.

5. Drying and Sorting: Finally, the tea is dried, sorted by grade, and packed — ready for export to markets across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

Visitors who witness this process often gain a newfound appreciation for tea — realizing that each cup represents countless hours of labor, care, and tradition.

Beyond Tea: The Beauty of Rwanda’s Hillsides

The tea-growing regions are also gateways to some of Rwanda’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.

Lake Kivu’s Terraced Hills

Many plantations, especially in Karongi and Gisovu, overlook Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes. The terraced hillsides here are a photographer’s dream — intricate mosaics of tea, bananas, and maize, descending gracefully to the lake’s shore. Travelers can combine tea tours with boat rides on Lake Kivu, visiting islands, fishing villages, and hot springs.

Cultural Encounters

Tea plantations are often surrounded by vibrant communities where Rwandan hospitality shines. Visitors can join local farmers in harvesting tea, participate in cultural dances, or visit cooperatives that produce handcrafted baskets and woven souvenirs. These interactions provide authentic insights into Rwandan life and the pride people take in their work.

Hiking and Scenic Drives

The roads winding through Rwanda’s tea-growing regions are some of the most scenic in Africa. Whether driving from Kigali to Nyungwe, or along the lake between Gisenyi and Kibuye, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of patchwork hills, misty valleys, and rural villages.

For hiking enthusiasts, trails near tea estates — such as the Nyungwe Forest Trails or the Congo-Nile Divide Track — offer unforgettable adventures through lush, high-altitude landscapes.

The Taste of Rwandan Tea

Tasting tea in Rwanda is a sensory celebration. The country’s teas are known for their bright coppery color, strong aroma, and refreshing briskness. Many visitors are surprised to discover how distinct each region’s tea can be — from the mellow sweetness of Gisovu to the bold strength of Gicumbi blends.

Most plantations allow visitors to participate in tea tasting sessions, where guides explain the differences between orthodox, CTC (crush-tear-curl), and green teas. Sipping freshly brewed tea while overlooking the very fields it came from is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

For the perfect souvenir, visitors can purchase locally packed Rwandan teas such as Sorwathe, Gisovu, or Kitabi — premium brands that embody Rwanda’s craftsmanship and flavor.

Sustainable Tea and Community Empowerment

Rwanda’s tea industry is also a model of sustainability. Many plantations are committed to environmentally friendly practices, from soil conservation to water management. Factories are increasingly powered by renewable energy, and waste is carefully recycled.

Equally important, the industry uplifts local communities. Cooperatives like Assopthe and Sorwathe promote fair wages, education, and healthcare for tea workers and their families. Visiting these plantations allows travelers to see firsthand how tourism and agriculture can coexist in harmony with nature and humanity.

A Journey of Serenity and Soul

Exploring Rwanda’s tea plantations is not just a scenic tour — it’s a journey through tranquility, culture, and connection. It’s the quiet hum of life on the hills, the rhythm of hands plucking leaves, the scent of earth after rain, and the taste of warmth in every cup.

It’s a reminder that Rwanda’s beauty is not only found in its mountains and wildlife but also in its people — their pride, resilience, and artistry in transforming simple green leaves into gold.

For those who seek an experience that soothes both body and spirit, Rwanda’s tea country offers a sanctuary of calm — where every view feels like a painting, and every moment feels like a pause in time.

Experience Rwanda’s Tea Trails with Moreen Tours & Travel

To discover the magic of Rwanda’s tea plantations and rolling hills, travel with Moreen Tours & Travel — your expert partner in crafting authentic and luxurious journeys across Rwanda.

Moreen Tours & Travel offers guided tours to Gisakura, Gisovu, Gicumbi, and Nshili, combining tea experiences with scenic drives, cultural encounters, and national park visits. Whether you want to sip freshly brewed tea overlooking misty hills, walk through green terraces, or meet the farmers who bring Rwanda’s tea to life, their knowledgeable guides ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

With their commitment to sustainability, comfort, and local engagement, Moreen Tours & Travel transforms every trip into a meaningful journey — one that celebrates Rwanda’s natural beauty and human warmth.

Embark on a tea-inspired adventure, and let the serenity of Rwanda’s hills infuse your soul — one sip, one smile, and one story at a time.