Tea Plantation Tour Experience in Rwanda | Journey Through the Green Hills of the Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda, famously known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is also a land of endless green — rolling landscapes blanketed with neatly trimmed tea gardens that shimmer under the morning sun. Among its most captivating rural experiences, the Tea Plantation Tour stands out as a peaceful and educational journey through Rwanda’s breathtaking countryside.

From the Gisovu and Gisakura plantations near Nyungwe National Park to the Mulindi and Pfunda estates in the north, a tea plantation tour in Rwanda offers visitors an immersive look at how one of the country’s most important exports is cultivated, processed, and enjoyed — all while surrounded by stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

The Story of Rwandan Tea

Introduced during the colonial era, tea has become one of Rwanda’s proudest agricultural success stories. The country’s high altitude, fertile volcanic soil, and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for growing premium-quality tea, now recognized among the best in the world.

Beyond its economic importance, tea cultivation has shaped the cultural and social fabric of Rwanda’s rural communities. Entire families and villages are involved in its production, making it not just a crop — but a way of life that embodies Rwanda’s harmony between nature and people.

Where to Experience Tea Plantation Tours in Rwanda

1. Gisakura Tea Estate – Near Nyungwe National Park

Located along the scenic road between Nyungwe National Park and Cyangugu (Rusizi), the Gisakura Tea Estate is one of Rwanda’s most picturesque plantations. The vibrant green fields stretch across misty hills, offering a perfect complement to the region’s rainforest adventures.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation, starting with a walk through the tea fields to see how local farmers carefully pluck the youngest leaves — “two leaves and a bud” — with practiced precision. The tour continues to the tea processing factory, where you’ll witness how these fresh leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized, dried, and sorted into the fine blends that end up in cups around the world.

After the factory tour, guests enjoy a tea tasting session, sampling different grades of tea while learning how altitude, soil, and climate influence flavor and aroma.

2. Gisovu Tea Plantation – Near Lake Kivu and Karongi

High in the hills near Karongi (Kibuye), the Gisovu Tea Estate offers spectacular views over Lake Kivu and the surrounding highlands. Known for producing some of Rwanda’s finest teas, Gisovu is a perfect destination for travelers who love scenic drives and cultural immersion.

Here, you can explore the plantation with local guides, meet farmers at work, and visit the Gisovu Tea Factory to observe every step of the production process. The experience often ends with a tea picnic overlooking the lake — a serene way to soak in Rwanda’s natural beauty.

3. Pfunda and Nyabihu Tea Estates – Near Volcanoes National Park

If you’re visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, the Pfunda Tea Estate near Rubavu (Gisenyi) offers a wonderful half-day cultural excursion. The estate sits between the Virunga volcanoes and Lake Kivu, creating an awe-inspiring landscape of lush green fields set against towering volcanic peaks.

Visitors can walk through the plantations, learn about the cooperative’s sustainability practices, and enjoy tea tastings paired with Rwandan snacks. Pfunda also emphasizes eco-friendly farming, making it an excellent example of Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Nearby, the Nyabihu Tea Plantation offers equally beautiful views, with tours that include village visits and storytelling by local farmers about how tea transformed their livelihoods.

4. Mulindi Tea Estate – Northern Province

Located in Rwanda’s lush Byumba District, the Mulindi Tea Estate is one of the country’s oldest and most historically significant plantations. The estate provides insight into both Rwanda’s tea heritage and its modern transformation through cooperative farming.

The experience here is deeply personal — visitors meet farmers, see tea weighing and sorting in action, and share in community life over cups of freshly brewed tea.

What to Expect on a Tea Plantation Tour

A typical tea tour experience includes:

• A guided walk through scenic tea fields

• A factory visit to see the entire tea production process

• A tasting session of various tea grades

• Cultural interaction with local workers and farmers

• Optional shopping opportunities, where you can buy freshly packed tea as souvenirs

Tours usually last 2 to 3 hours, depending on how deep you wish to go into the process and how far the plantation is from your lodge or hotel.

When to Go

Tea plantations in Rwanda are lush and vibrant year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February — when the fields are easy to access and skies are clear for photography.

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light and often the most scenic views, with mist gently rising from the hills.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing

• A hat and sunscreen for sunny conditions

• Camera or smartphone for photos

• Small cash for purchasing local tea or tipping guides

Sustainability and Community Impact

Rwanda’s tea sector is built on cooperative farming and fair trade practices. Many estates empower local farmers by providing training, healthcare, and education through their partnerships. By visiting these plantations, you directly support rural development and sustainable tourism initiatives that uplift communities.

A Journey Through Taste and Tranquility

A Tea Plantation Tour in Rwanda is more than just an agricultural visit — it’s a journey into the essence of the country itself. Each leaf picked, each cup poured, tells a story of resilience, beauty, and harmony between people and nature.

As you sip freshly brewed Rwandan tea overlooking misty green hills, you’ll feel connected to the land in a way few other experiences can offer. It’s calm, it’s cultural, and it’s unmistakably Rwandan.