Visit Gisakura Tea Plantation in Nyungwe National Park

Visit Gisakura Tea Plantation in Nyungwe National Park, A visit to the beautiful Gisakura Tea Plantation in Nyungwe National Park offers an unforgettable experience and is a must-add to your Rwanda safari itinerary in the Southern Province. Walk through the scenic tea fields, meet local farmers, participate in tea harvesting, and learn about the full process of tea cultivation and production. This hands-on experience is both educational and deeply rewarding.

As you travel toward Nyungwe National Park, you will pass through a landscape of rolling green hills, many of which are covered with tea plantations. Among these, the Gisakura Tea Plantation, located near the park’s western border, is one of the most impressive and frequently visited. It is a common stop for tourists after engaging in chimpanzee trekking within the park.

Tea is one of Rwanda’s major exports. While tea thrives in the highlands, coffee is also widely grown across the country. Coffee plantations are more common around Gisenyi, where several farmers’ cooperatives and washing stations offer guided tours and tastings. However, access to these plantations may require prior arrangements through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a trusted tour operator like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

Why Visit Gisakura Tea Plantation?

The Gisakura Tea Plantation is not only stunning but also located close to forests where Colobus monkeys are often seen. Here, visitors can explore what makes Rwandan tea one of the best in the world by taking part in a full crop-to-cup experience. Morning and afternoon tours are available, providing opportunities to observe and interact with farmers in the fields and capture beautiful photos among the tea rows.

You’ll also visit the Gisakura Tea Factory to see how green tea leaves are transformed into black tea. The tour ends with a tasting session—enjoying a fresh cup of authentic Rwandan tea, full of natural flavor.

Cost of Visiting Gisakura Tea Plantation

A full experience at the Gisakura Tea Plantation costs $32 per person. Visitors can also purchase “Made in Rwanda” tea products as souvenirs for family and friends.

Other Activities to Combine with a Visit to Gisakura Tea Plantation

1. Chimpanzee Trekking

Nyungwe Forest is home to many chimpanzees and offers year-round trekking experiences. Although chimpanzees are not fully habituated like gorillas, they are often seen with the help of trained guides. This makes chimp trekking both challenging and exciting.

2. Community Tours

Explore the rich culture of local communities near Nyungwe. Participate in cultural dances, taste traditional Rwandan food, and learn more about the local history. Community centers such as the Banda Community Village, Kitabi Cultural Village, and groups like the Friends of Nyungwe and the Cyamundongo Cultural Troupe offer immersive experiences.

3. Primate Trekking

Besides chimpanzees, Nyungwe is home to several other primate species including the rare golden monkey. Primate trekking is a rewarding experience for wildlife lovers.

4. Hiking in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe National Park features about 130 kilometers of hiking trails that take visitors through pristine forest and beautiful scenery. Popular trails include:

• Igishigishigi Trail – leading to the canopy walkway.

• Bigugu Trail – leading to the summit of Mount Bigugu.

5. Canopy Walk

The Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk is the only one of its kind in East Africa. Suspended 60 meters above the ground and stretching 160 meters long, it offers a thrilling and scenic view of the forest.

6. Climbing Mount Bigugu

Mount Bigugu rises to around 2,950 meters above sea level and provides an excellent hiking experience with stunning views of the surrounding areas.

7. Bird Watching

Nyungwe Forest is home to over 322 bird species, including 27 species unique to the Albertine Rift. Notable birds include:

• Blue Turaco

• Ruwenzori Batis

• Shelley’s Crimsonwing

• Neumann’s Warbler

• Francolinus nobilis

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

The best time to visit is during the long dry season (June to September) or the short dry season (mid-December to mid-February). These months offer favorable weather for hiking and wildlife activities, though occasional rain can still occur.

Accommodation and Travel

Nyungwe National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda, near the town of Cyangugu, about 225 kilometers or a 6-hour drive from Kigali. After exploring Nyungwe and Gisakura, many travelers continue their journey to:

• Lake Kivu for boat excursions,

• Volcanoes National Park for gorilla and golden monkey trekking, and

• Akagera National Park for classic savannah wildlife safaris, including sightings of elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more.

For a seamless experience, consider planning your trip with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, who can assist with organizing visits to tea plantations, wildlife safaris, and community interactions.