Rwanda & Burundi:
Experience Seedling to Export
April 21st - 28th 2024
Experience the start of the coffee production chain first-hand on a visit to not one, but TWO of Omwani's East African processing partners. Hosted by Rwamatamu in Rwanda and Migoti in Burundi, join us on a tour of washing stations and farms, guided by the producers themselves.
Immerse yourself in coffee production
Rwanda
Rwanda is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa with a population of about 14.5 million. It has been called "The Land of a Thousand Hills" due to the topography of hills, mountains, valleys and volcanoes that make up one incredibly diverse landscape. The beautiful scenery is partially preserved by eco-friendly movements like monthly 'car-free' days, the country wide ban on plastic bags, and the ongoing animal conservation efforts.
Rwanda's environment is essential for its agricultural industry, which is responsible for the majority of the country's income, with coffee accounting for around 24% of the country's annual exports.
Currency:
Rwandan Franc, sometimes USD
Climate:
Temperate to subtropical
Languages:
Kiryawandan, French, English
Vaccines:
Suggested
Burundi
Currency:
Burundi Franks
Climate:
Warm/mild
Languages:
Kirundi, French, English
Vaccines:
Required
Burundi is a country in east-central Africa, south of the Equator. The landlocked country is a historic kingdom, and one of the few countries in Africa whose borders were not determined by colonial rulers. It is nicknamed 'The Heart of Africa' for its heart-like shape and central location within the continent, and is adorned with rolling hills, soaring mountains, beautiful plains, and part of the large Lake Tanganyika.
Arabica coffee is the primary exported crop of Burundi, though tea and sugar are also common cash crops within the country.
Itinerary
Flying in to Rwanda and out from Burundi, this is an 8 day trip jam packed with tours, treks, and tastes across two of Africa's most breath taking countries.
Sunday, April 21st
Omwani and guests meet in Kigali, visit the city's dry mill, then travel to Mbare where we will stay overnight.
Monday, April 22nd
On the second day we will visit Rwamatamu's newly established Mbare station for a tour of the site, a cupping of locally-produced coffees, and a visit to some nearby farms. In the evening we will travel to Nyamasheke.
Tuesday, April 23rd
A tour of Rwamatamu's main washing station site will include demonstrations of the coffee processing stages. Later, we will visit a local high-altitude farm, then Travel to Huye in the evening.
Wednesday, April 24th
In Huye, we will receive a tour of a model farm run by a doctor who's PhD is in Agriculture. This farm implements techniques like low water processing, fertiliser production, organic pest control, and shade trees. In the afternoon we will set off to Bujumbura in Burundi, where we will stay the night.
Thursday & Friday, April 25th & 26th
After travelling to a town near Migoti, we will take a hike up to the washing station in order to get an idea of the route farmers must take their cherry harvest. We will then spend the night at the station.
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The next day we will receive a tour of Migoti's facilities before having a group cupping of Burundi coffees.
Saturday, April 27th
On the final day of our trip, we will set off early to the Sun Safari Club Hotel, where we can spend the day getting some much needed rest and recovery, before saying goodbye the following morning.
Although 7 days are coordinated by Omwani, guests are invited to extend their trip to make the most of their experience.
Price Break Down
Visa
$90
6 Nights accommodation
$600
Food
$300
Transport
$300
Estimated Total
$1290
Guests will also be required to make a $50 deposit upon confirmation of their attendance. This is so we can secure initial bookings for accommodation and travel before the start of the trip.
Important Information
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Guests will need to book their own flights for this trip, though we will provide information about the flights we are taking so that guests are able to fly with us if they wish.
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Vaccines are not essential, but you should consider getting shots for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. For more recommendations click this link for Rwanda, and this link for Burundi.
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Insurance is not provided by Omwani, however we would suggest purchasing some cover.
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A Visa is required and can be purchased on arrival or online.
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Please be aware that this trip will include some physically demanding hikes up and down hills and over rough terrain, so be sure you're up for it and bring good walking boots!
We hope to see you there!
