Arabica cultivation has revived in the high country around Lake Kivu.
Arabica cultivation has revived in the high country around Lake Kivu. After a long civil war it is regaining attention as specialty, with lots beginning to rival neighboring Rwanda and Burundi.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo grows expressive, Bourbon-led coffee on the highlands along Lake Kivu, on the border with Rwanda — an African origin in mid-recovery. The delicate profile of berry, citrus and black tea is true East African highland, and its specialty comeback is under way amid the hardships of conflict.
South and North Kivu in eastern Congo are high volcanic country overlooking Lake Kivu, shared with Rwanda, where Bourbon-line Arabica grows. Geographically and genetically continuous with Rwanda and Burundi, the cup — bright acidity, florals, berry fruit — holds quality on par with the famed East African highlands. The lakeside microclimate and fertile soils are the foundation that raises such high-potential cherry.
Eastern Congo has long suffered conflict and instability, and the coffee industry stagnated badly. In recent years, international NGOs and specialty buyers have helped build washing stations along the lake, restoring quality-first production. Coffee here is a livelihood — and at the same time a hope for recovering stability and cooperation in the region. Congolese specialty is a cup often told together with its backstory.
Highlands on the southern shore of Lake Kivu. Mainly Bourbon, clean and fruity.
See South Kivu details →Adjacent to Virunga National Park. Volcanic soil yields complex flavor.
See North Kivu details →Check stock and prices on each retailer. Links marked “PR” are affiliate links; a purchase may earn this site revenue.
True to a name meaning "the bus for everyone" in Portuguese, its mission is bringing coffee to more people. An Africa specialist, carefully roasting fruity Ethiopian and Rwandan lots while keeping lasting relationships with farmers.
A Kyoto roaster broadcasting Japanese brewing gear and overseas light roasts. Its subscription delivers beans from guest roasters at home and abroad. With an English site too, it has many overseas fans.
A taste-profile quiz pins down your preferences, then 3 coffees from 30+ partner roasters arrive monthly. A Japan No.1 subscription that suits beginners and experts alike.
A specialty green-bean platform buying directly from producers. Aimed at roasters and enthusiasts, with high transparency down to origin, farm and process.
A famed Osaka shop founded over 55 years ago. A "coffee appraiser" hand-picks the green beans, centered on medium-dark roasts for nel drip. Reliable, consistent quality.
Starting from flavors common to all of DR Congo’s regions, here are 3 similar regions from other countries.