Sorwathe Tea Factory

The SORWATHE (Société Rwandaise de Thé) tea factory and plantation, located near Kinihira, is one of the oldest and most renowned in Rwanda. Established in 1975, it was the country's first private tea factory. Visitors can take a guided tour that covers the entire process of tea production, from plucking the leaves in the lush green fields to withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting in the factory. The tour often concludes with a tea tasting session, allowing one to sample the different grades of the famous Rwandan black tea. SORWATHE is also known for its social programs and commitment to the local community. The easy on the eye landscape of the tea plantations stretching over the rolling hills is as much of an attraction as the educational insight into one of Rwanda's most important export commodities.

Nearby cities

Musanze

The main city in the north is the gateway to the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Gicumbi

A high-altitude agricultural center where green tea and high-quality wheat are primarily cultivated.

Kinigi

This base camp for tourists is located right next to the Volcanoes National Park and benefits massively from ecotourism.

Base

Its strategically advantageous location halfway to the north makes this place a popular rest stop for travelers.

Gakenke

This mountainous town is famous for its excellent premium coffee, which wins awards worldwide.

Rulindo

An emerging community near the capital, whose economy benefits from coffee processing and mining.

Rukozo

A high-altitude agricultural center in Gicumbi, known for extremely steep terraced fields and dense morning fog.

Kivuruga

A significant rural commercial center on the north-south transport axis, characterized by agricultural markets.

Miyove

A growing settlement in the northern mountains, whose economy is increasingly driven by modern agro-industrial cooperatives.

Rwaza

An important historical place in the north, looking back on a long mission history and the construction of old churches.

Burera

The administrative center of a northwestern district, located right next to the spectacular twin lakes and nearby volcanoes.

Gatuna

The busiest border crossing to Uganda, which handles a large part of the national imports via the Northern Corridor.

History & landmarks

Ruhengeri Cathedral

The main cathedral of the Diocese of Ruhengeri in the city of Musanze, a major hub for gorilla trekking tourists.

Nature

Akagera River

A significant tributary of the Nile that flows through the Akagera National Park.

Rurubu River

A significant river that flows through southeastern Rwanda.

Akagera Wetlands

An extensive swamp and wetland area along the Akagera River.

Lake Ihema

The largest lake in Akagera National Park, known for its rich wildlife.

More places

Pots of Rubingo

An archaeological site with ancient hollows carved into stone, indicating an early settlement of the region.

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Liberation Museum Mulindi

The former headquarters of the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) during the liberation war.

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

A reconstructed village that preserves and showcases traditional Rwandan culture, dances, and lifestyle.

Pfunda Tea Estate

One of the most productive tea factories near Rubavu, exporting premium black tea.

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Rutsiro Coltan Mine

A mining area for coltan, essential for the global electronics industry.

Bralirwa Brewery Rubavu

Rwanda's largest and oldest commercial brewery, located on the shores of Lake Kivu.

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Rubavu Port

Major inland port on Lake Kivu for trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Karongi Tea Factory

Major processing facility for Rwandan black tea from the surrounding hills.