From crop to cup on the shores of Lake Kivu
The Kivu Coffee Tour combines an educational experience where visitors learn about the coffee growing process with the stunning scenery of Lake Kivu. Its shores are particularly fertile and host a range of plantations where some of the best coffee in the world is grown.
In early 2008, NDA started to collaborate with Ingoboka, a local cooperative of coffee farming families. We have trained some of their members to provide a very personal introduction to coffee growing that will teach you everything you need to know about this complicated process from crop to cup.
Nyamirundi Island
On Nyamirundi Island, you will visit the plantation of one of Ingoboka's member families. Each coffee plant is hand-raised and cared for by the farmer. Combined with the volcanic soils of the area, this special treatment gives the coffee a full-bodied, yet non-acidic flavor. Ingoboka has a total of 350 members, all of whom own small coffee farms on or close to the shores of the lake.
The Gashishi Washing Station
From the island, you will continue your journey to the nearby Gashishi Washing Station on the shores of the lake. During the main coffee season (March to June), you can witness over 700 men and women working at the station day and night, but the washing station is also a fascinating place in other seasons.
The process is actually rather complicated and involves over 20 different steps. You will receive a full explanation of this coffee processing, from picking to washing and later roasting, and even have the chance to pick a few cherries yourself. After an opportunity to sample the cooperative's coffee, you will return to Gisenyi.