Kinihira, Rwanda

Rukeni Swamp Tea Plantation, Sorwathe Tea Estate, Kinihira, Rwanda

Tea is one of Rwanda’s principal export crops. Tea is grown at high altitude (between 1,900 and 2,500 m) and also in well drained marshes (such as the Rukeni Swamp plantation, pictured above) at an altitude of between 1,550 and 1,800m. The major producing areas are Byumba, Cyangugu, Gikongoro, Gisenyi, and Kibuye. Tea plantations must be located very near to a tea factory because the harvest has to be processed within just a few hours of picking.