Rwanda & Burundi:
Experience Seedling to Export
May 10th - 19th 2023
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
COVID-19 is still present in 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
COVID-19 is still present in 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 a 7 day trip jam packed with tours, treks, and tastes across two of Africa's most breath taking countries.
Day 1
Land and arrive at Kigali International Airport, then spend a day exploring Rwanda's capital city before eating out and staying the night in a local hotel.
Day 2
A day of travel from Kigali to Kibuye by car, which will end with a stop off at the beautiful Lake Kivu to take in the view and try Sambaza, a local seafood delicacy. At night we will visit Rwamatamu's washing station to see the night time activities of the estate, before turning in at a local hotel.
Day 3
Another visit to the washing station followed by a tour of the coffee farm, where we will be introduced to some of the working farmers, who we will then share in a meal with. In the evening we will drive to Rusizi where we will stay the night at a local hotel.
Day 4
Travel across the border into Burundi and continue on to Migoti Coffee in the Rubanda region. It will be a long journey so there will be plenty of stops and breaks for refreshments. Dinner at a local restaurant and accommodation at a nearby hotel.
Day 5 & 6
Visit Migoti processing station arrival where we will receive a guided tour of facilities and processes by manager Zephryn.
The next day will include a series of walks to visit local producers and their farms. In the evening we will visit the nearby bars and then retire to our accommodation.
Day 7
The final day at Migoti Washing Station includes a hike (3 - 5 hours) to the new Kinama washing station, which we will then be lead on a tour of by one of the workers. Later we will drive back to Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, and spend the night at the Sun Safari Club Hotel. The next day we will fly out of Bujumbura International Airport.
Although 7 days are coordinated by Omwani, guests are invited to extend their trip to make the most of their experience.
Price Break Down
Flights
$700 - 900
Accommodation
$600
Transport
$200
Estimated Total
$1500
- 1700
Important Information
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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!
