Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas. But its vibrant green tea fields are just as stunning. This guide to Tea Plantation Tours in Rwanda: Visiting Gisovu and Sorwathe is for you. Many travellers are now discovering Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours. This guide, Tea Plantation Tours in Rwanda: Visiting Gisovu and Sorwathe, explores this unique experience. This post covers the top Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours. We will explore the Gisovu and Sorwathe estates. You will learn how to visit them. We cover the best time to go. We also discuss how to combine tea tours with a wider Rwanda safari package. Read our travel blog for more. You can contact a tour operator for booking.
Why Are Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours So Special?
The “Land of a Thousand Hills” is the perfect place for tea. The high altitude and volcanic soil create world-class tea. A visit is a sensory experience. You see the endless green hills. You can smell the fresh leaves. It is a peaceful break from a busy Kigali city. These tours are also very educational. You can learn about the “crop-to-cup” process. You see how tea is picked. You then visit the factories. This is a key part of Rwanda’s economy. It is a great activity for any Rwanda travel budget.
The Two Most Famous Tea Plantations in Rwanda
There are many tea fields in Rwanda. But the two estates are the most famous. They are Gisovu and Sorwathe. They offer excellent tours. They are in different parts of the country. This makes them easy to add to any itinerary. A self-drive Rwanda safari is a great way to visit. Our 4×4 guide has car options.
Visiting the Gisovu Tea Plantation (Near Nyungwe)
Gisovu Tea Estate is stunning. It is located in the western part of Rwanda. It is very close to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This makes it a perfect combination trip. The tea fields seem to flow into the rainforest. The views are breathtaking. Our Nyungwe guide has more. You can take a tour of the Gisovu estate. You will walk through the fields. You can watch the tea pickers at work. You can also tour the factory. This is where the tea is processed. The Gisovu Tea Guesthouse offers a place to stay. This is a must-do after Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking.
Exploring the Sorwathe Tea Plantation (Near Kigali)
Sorwathe is in northern Rwanda. It is near the town of Kinihira. It is easier to access from Kigali. The drive is only a few hours. This makes it a good day trip. Sorwathe was the first private tea factory in Rwanda. Sorwathe offers excellent Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours. You can tour the factory. You can also visit the fields. They have a guesthouse. You can stay overnight. This is a great stop on the drive from Kigali to Musanz. Musanze is the base for gorilla trekking.
How to Plan Your Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours
Planning your visit is straightforward. The best time to visit Rwanda for tea is all year. But the dry seasons are best for photos. These are from June to September. And December to February. This is also the best time for gorilla trekking. Our month-by-month guide helps.
How to Get to Gisovu and Sorwathe
The best way to get there is by road. A self-drive Rwanda safari gives you flexibility. You will want a 4×4 vehicle. A Toyota Prado rental Rwanda is comfortable. Also a safari landcruiser for rent in Kigali is very capable. The roads are paved. But the access roads can be dirty. You can also opt for a car hire with driver Rwanda. This is a stress-free option. The driver knows the routes. This is a popular choice for many travellers. There are many car rental services available. Check our car rental prices. You will need a valid driving permit.
What to Pack for Your Tea Tour
Pack layers. The tea plantations are at high altitude. It can be cool in the mornings. Bring a rain jacket. Showers can pass through. Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will be on your feet. Avoid travel mistakes by packing well.
Combining Tea Tours with Other Rwandan Adventures
Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours are rarely a standalone trip. They are a perfect add-on. They add diversity to your Rwanda safari package.Â
From Tea Fields to Primate Forests (Nyungwe)
Gisovu is next to Nyungwe Forest. You can combine these easily. Do your Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking in the morning. Then, do a tea tour in the afternoon. You can also do the Rwanda canopy walk. This is a fantastic itinerary.
From Tea Tasting to Gorilla Tracking (Volcanoes)
Sorwathe is on the way to Volcanoes National Park. You can leave Kigali. Stop at Sorwathe for a tour and lunch. Then, continue to Musanze. This breaks up the drive. The next day, you can do gorilla trekking. The gorilla permit cost Rwanda is $1,500. The gorilla trekking age limit is 15.
Adding Akagera Safari and Lake Kivu
A full trip could include more. You can visit Akagera National Park. The Akagera safari cost is a great value. This is where you see the big five Rwanda. After your treks, relax at a Lake Kivu hotel. You can enjoy Lake Kivu activities. This shows you all of Rwanda’s diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I buy tea at the plantations?
Yes, you can. Both Gisovu and Sorwathe sell their tea. This is the best souvenir. You can buy fresh tea to take home. It is a great way to remember your Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours.
How long is a tea plantation tour?
A typical tour lasts two to three hours. This includes a walk in the fields. It also includes a factory visit. This is a great half-day activity. It fits easily into your schedule.
Do I need to book Rwanda Tea Plantation Tours in advance?
It is highly recommended. You should call or email the estates. This ensures a guide is available. This is especially true for factory tours. A tour operator can also arrange this for you.
Is this a good activity for a Rwanda travel budget?
Yes. Compared to the gorilla permit cost in Rwanda, tea tours are very affordable. The tour fee is usually low. This makes it a great value activity. It adds a lot to your trip. It does not add much to your Rwanda travel budget.
What is the Rwanda visa on arrival process?
The Rwanda visa on arrival is simple. Citizens of all countries can get one. You get it at Kigali International Airport. This makes entry very easy. This is great for all travellers.
