Burundi’s verdant hillsides are not just visually stunning; they are the fertile grounds that yield two of the world’s most cherished beverages: tea and coffee. For connoisseurs and curious travelers alike, embarking on a tea or coffee tour in Burundi offers a fascinating journey from the lush plantations to the final, aromatic cup, providing deep insight into the country’s agricultural backbone and the lives of its farmers.
The Importance of Tea and Coffee to Burundi:
Tea and coffee are not just crops; they are vital to Burundi’s economy, representing significant export revenues and providing livelihoods for a vast portion of its population, particularly smallholder farmers. The quality of Burundian coffee, in particular, has gained international recognition for its unique flavor profiles.
Coffee: The “Heart of Africa” Bean
Burundian coffee is predominantly Arabica, known for its bright acidity, sweet notes, and full body. The high altitude and fertile volcanic soils contribute to its distinctive taste.
- The Tour Experience:
- Farm Visits: Walk through picturesque coffee farms, often terraced into the hillsides. You’ll meet local farmers who passionately explain their cultivation methods, from planting seedlings to meticulous hand-picking of ripe red cherries.
- Washing Stations (Wet Mills): This is a crucial step in Burundian coffee processing. You’ll visit washing stations where coffee cherries are pulped, fermented, washed, and then dried on raised beds (often called “African beds”). Witnessing this process, which significantly impacts the coffee’s flavor, is a highlight.
- Cupping Sessions: Many tours culminate in a cupping session, where you’ll learn how to professionally taste and evaluate different coffee lots, appreciating the nuances and complexities of Burundian beans.
- Roasting: Some tours might include a visit to a small local roastery, giving you a complete “bean-to-cup” understanding.
- Key Coffee Growing Regions/Stations to Visit:
- Migoti Coffee Company: Located in the high hills outside Bujumbura, Migoti is known for its quality coffee and often hosts visitors for comprehensive tours of their washing station and associated farms.
- Other Washing Stations: Numerous washing stations are scattered across the coffee-growing regions, particularly in the provinces of Kayanza, Ngozi, and Muramvya. Your tour operator can help identify accessible ones.
Tea: The Emerald Carpets of the Highlands
Burundian tea plantations are a striking feature of the highland landscapes, creating beautiful emerald carpets over the rolling hills.
- The Tour Experience:
- Plantation Walks: Stroll through the neat rows of tea bushes, often with breathtaking panoramic views. Learn about the different types of tea (e.g., black tea) and the specific conditions required for cultivation.
- Tea Picking: Observe the tea pickers, predominantly women, skillfully plucking the “two leaves and a bud” – the most tender parts of the plant crucial for quality. You might even have a chance to try your hand at picking.
- Factory Tours: Visit a tea processing factory, where you’ll see the stages of tea production: withering, rolling, oxidation (fermentation), drying, and grading. The aromas in the factory are often intoxicating.
- Tea Tasting: Conclude your tour with a refreshing cup of freshly brewed Burundian tea.
- Key Tea Plantations to Visit:
- Teza Tea Plantation: Located in the scenic region of Muramvya, Teza is one of Burundi’s oldest and most renowned tea estates. It offers captivating views and opportunities to learn about tea production.
- Other Plantations: Several other large tea plantations are found in the cooler, higher altitudes, such as those near Kayanza.
Planning Your Tour:
- Best Time to Visit:
- Coffee: The main coffee harvest season runs roughly from March to June/July. Visiting during this time allows you to see the entire processing cycle in action.
- Tea: Tea is harvested year-round, but conditions might be more pleasant during the dry season (June-October, December-February).
- Logistics: Tea and coffee plantations are often in rural, sometimes hilly areas, requiring a 4×4 vehicle.
- Local Guides: Tours are best arranged through a local Burundian tour operator who can facilitate access to plantations and factories and provide knowledgeable guides.
- Support Local: By participating in these tours, you directly support Burundi’s agricultural sector and the communities that depend on it.
A tea or coffee tour in Burundi is more than just a tasting; it’s an immersive cultural and economic journey, connecting you to the land and the diligent people who craft these beloved beverages.