Pfunda Tea Plantation Tour in Rwanda.

The Pfunda Tea Plantation tour in Rwanda takes you to an educational tour in the north-west of the country. Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” has lush landscapes, high quality tea and vibrant culture. Tea in Rwanda has been a major export since its unveiling in 1952. Near Lake Kivu, Pfunda stands out as one of the best in tea tours in the country.

The estate covers hundreds of hectares on the volcanic slopes. It produces some of Rwanda’s finest green, black, and specialty teas, thanks to temperate climate and fertile soils. Whether you are a traveler or a tea enthusiast who craves a cultural experience, Pfunda is the right choice. A guided Pfunda Tea Plantation tour in Rwanda offers this and more.

Location.

The estate is situated in Rubavu District, Western Province of Rwanda. Pfunda is 9 km from Rubavu town, also known as Gisenyi, along the Kigali – Musanze – Rubavu highway. It spans the rolling hills near Lake Kivu, just below the Virunga volcanoes. The rich fertile volcanic soils contribute a lot to the tea’s uniquely bold taste and flavor.

The enormous plantation stretches over hundreds of hectares with vibrant green tea bushes along hills and valleys. Stand here and get breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding landscapes. It’s very close to Musanze just 75 km or 1.5 hours’ drive. From Kigali, the place is 138 km of 3 to 4 hours’ drive. This makes it an accessible day trip or a perfect add on to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Travelers to Nyungwe for a chimp trek can also include this Pfunda Tea Plantation in Rwanda. The estate’s cooperative office, where tours commence is right at the junction of Musanze – Rubavu and Karongi roads.

How the Pfunda tea Plantation Tour Works?

The Pfunda Tea Plantation tour in Rwanda is organized by the Pfunda Tea Cooperative (PTC). However, experienced tour operators like us offer community-based experience that takes guests from the tea fields to the factory. Each session lasts 2 to 4 hours, and the whole tour experience blends culture, education and adventure. Meanwhile, they employ local farmers who guide you through the process.

Arrivals and briefing kickoff at 8:00am, and tours typically start at the Pfunda Tea Cooperative office. This is where guides, usually local farmers welcome you and shares the history and other interesting insights of tea in Rwanda. You also learn about the various roles of the cooperative. Guests will learn about Pfunda’s scale; think of 3,600 farmers producing 2,500 MT of tea per year.

Tea Field Adventure on a tea truck, riding “Rwandan-style” with workers for 10 to 20 minutes to the plantation. During this, see breathtaking lush fields. Meanwhile, get an apron, picking baskets and gloves, to dress as the locals. Local guide teaches you to pick the flush i.e. the top two leaves and bud for standard quality. Rwanda’s equatorial climate allows all year round harvesting, so guests will see farmers planting and picking, depending on the season.

After picking guests head to a weighing station at the field’s edge, where their harvest is measured alongside the workers’. Locals are paid based on weight, and the whole guest-local engagement is such a remarkable experience. This stop showcases the cooperative’s fair labor practices that supports thousands of families. The Pfunda Tea Plantation tour in Rwanda has ow got more interesting.

Factory tours start at 10:30 AM on the truck, guests return to the Pfunda Tea Factory, one of Rwanda’s largest, producing 90 MT daily especially during the peak season (rainy months). The guided tours take you through the production process such as withering, cutting, drying fermentation, sorting, and packaging. Machinery in action can be seen and learn how green, black, and specialty teas are crafted. Guides explain quality control and the factory’s push for Fair trade and organic certifications.

Tea tasting session is yet another activity to elevate an already great Pfunda Tea Plantation tour in Rwanda. This actually kicks off around midday and wraps with a tasting session. Sample Pfunda’s freshly brewed teas, that range from green, black or spicy blends. Travelers learn about flavor profiles and brewing techniques. Buy some tea packages, or even local souvenirs at the on-site shop offered to many visitors.

End this tour at 12:30 PM with lunch served to you at a nearby restaurant. Guests leave with a tea package as a keepsake.

Cost of the Tour

To enjoy your Pfunda Tea Plantation tour in Rwanda, you need to pay $20 per person for the day. We can coordinate this for you if you wish. This ensures everything goes according to plan. With us, the tour package includes transportation, meals, other activities and accommodations etc.

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Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

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09:38 08 Jan 24

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00:41 15 Nov 23

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18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

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18:01 27 Oct 23

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travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

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