Lake Kivu Coffee Tour: Experience The Complete Arabica Coffee Value Chain
Lake Kivu Coffee Tour
Lake Kivu is an angelic place in Rwanda and one of the great lakes of East Africa! It is placed between the democratic republic of Congo and western Rwanda, at an altitude of about 1,460 meters above sea level, covering an area of 2,700 square kilometers, and is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth biggest in Africa. Its average depth of 240 meters, and it is Africa’s deepest lake of Africa Lake Kivu is a phenomenal destination for visitation during your trip to Rwanda. It presents stunning beaches, peninsulas, and islands. The surrounding areas of Lake Kivu grow plantations from the local farmers, including coffee and Tea plantations.
The good climate of the Lake and rich Volcanic, fertile soils promote the growth of high-quality Arabica coffee; the volcanic soils contribute so much to the unique aroma, qualities, and flavor. The region is the best place in Rwanda for growing coffee. Companies like Kivu Belt Coffee Company own farms and washing stations in the villages, and the Kinunu washing station and Kimbiri station conduct coffee tours for travelers. They have a chance to learn about the coffee process by processing it until it is in the cup. You may have a chance to taste the sweetness of Rwandan coffee.
Lake Kivu Coffee Tour gives visitors an experience of crop-to-cup coffee. During the tour, guests get to learn about Arabica coffee from the seedlings, how long it takes to grow, and when it is due for the coffee powder. You will undertake a class on coffee, teaching you how the coffee is made, and later have a taste of the coffee you have made. On-site travelers can purchase packed bags of coffee. The tour begins in the morning or afternoon hours for 2-4 hours, depending on the farm tour, while you enjoy the tranquil environment of Lake Kivu.
Coffee tours can be combined with trips to Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, and the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Lake Kivu boat is a phenomenal experience. The boat begins from Gisenyi or Kibuye. This trip will take you around the lake’s Islands and scenic views around the area. During the cruise, you will enjoy the small fishing villages and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush green environment.
Lake Kivu coffee Tour can be combined with a trip to Volcanoes National Park, the conservation area is home to the renowned Mountain gorilla specie, these are tracked in groups of 8 per gorilla family led by a male silverback, these live with in the forest without being captivated feeding on plants, tree backs, fruits. It takes 2-3 hours to do the activity, depending on how far the gorilla families have moved. Besides the gorillas, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is popular for chimpanzee, it is home to 13 species of primates, the chimps can be tracked to complement the coffee tours as well as the black and white colobus monkeys, The canopy walk in the forest a long suspended bridge within the old forest is a great way to experience the park, guests have to the chance to view several bird species, and primates like the blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, owl faced monkeys among others.
Lake Kivu Coffee Tour can be done anytime of the year, but is best during the dry season in December, February, June, July, August, September, when the rain is less and water levels are down on the lake for an easy boat transfer. What to pack for the tour includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellants, t-shirts, cameras, sunscreen, proper walking shoes, warm clothes for the early morning and evening hours, hand gloves, and any other important items of a personal nature. Despite the dry season being the best time to visit, the wet season can be incredible as you have a chance to explore the green countryside and some stages of coffee plantations.
It takes approximately 3-4 hours drive from Kigali to Lake Kivu passing through the amazing countryside of Rwanda filled with rolling hills and Tea plantations, there is available accommodation for travelers ranging from the best budget to luxury, these offer comfortable places to stay for the guests and serve a variety of food cuisines including both international and local foods. Example facility is the Lake Kivu Serena Lodge.