In short: Karongi Tea Factory is a tea producer in Birambo, Rwanda, operating at 2,171 metres altitude and known to supply Finlays.
Karongi Tea Factory is a tea producer located in Birambo, in the Western Province of Rwanda. Situated at an altitude of 2,171 metres, it stands amongst the highest-elevation tea operations in the country. The factory is operated by Karongi Tea Factory itself, and is recorded as supplying the international tea trader Finlays.
Terroir & Climate
At 2,171 metres above sea level, Karongi Tea Factory occupies one of the more elevated positions in Rwanda's tea-growing landscape. Estates at this altitude typically experience cooler temperatures and greater diurnal variation, conditions that tend to slow leaf development and can contribute to more nuanced biochemical profiles in the harvested leaf. The equatorial latitude of approximately 2°S means daylight hours remain relatively consistent throughout the year, a factor that generally supports steady vegetative growth without the pronounced seasonal dormancy seen in higher-latitude origins.
Rwanda's tea regions are characterised by well-distributed rainfall and volcanic soils, both of which tend to favour the cultivation of Camellia sinensis. Birambo's position in the western part of the country places it within the broader Albertine Rift system, where altitude and topography combine to create mesoclimates that can differ markedly over short distances. Producers at elevations above 2,000 metres often contend with morning mists and cooler nights, environmental factors that are generally associated with slower oxidation potential and a propensity for briskness in the cup.
Tea Produced
Karongi Tea Factory produces both black and green tea. Rwandan black teas from high-altitude sites such as this typically exhibit a bright, brisk character with moderate astringency and a clean finish; the slower maturation at elevation often correlates with lower levels of catechin polymerisation, which can translate to a less heavy-bodied liquor. Green teas from similar terroir tend to show vegetal notes and a crisp, refreshing profile, though processing variables at the factory level will ultimately determine the final cup. Buyers sourcing from Rwanda's elevated estates generally expect teas with clarity and a certain vivacity, attributes that reflect both the cool growing conditions and the relatively young age of the country's commercial tea sector.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Karongi Tea Factory is recorded as supplying Finlays, one of the world's leading integrated tea companies with a substantial footprint in procurement, blending, and branded product development. Finlays' sourcing from Rwandan origins underscores the country's growing presence in global supply chains, particularly for buyers seeking traceability and high-altitude profiles. The relationship suggests that Karongi's output meets the quality and consistency standards required for international blending and retail programmes, positioning the factory within a network that serves both commodity and differentiated tea markets.
- Recorded supplier to Finlays
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory lies at -2.1610, 29.4430 in Birambo, Rwanda. Its 2171 m elevation is the 5th highest of 18 estates we map in Rwanda. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Cyato Tea Plantation — 39 km away · Colline Mpage
- Nyabihu Tea Estate — 41 km away · NR16
- RUBAYA — 43 km away · Kabaya
- Gisovu Tea Factory — 50 km away · Gisovu
- Muganza - Kivu — 51 km away · Nyaruguru
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory (2,171 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory recorded 1,401 mm in 2025, 12% less than the 1,598 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAMBAA | Githunguri, Kenya | 2,173 m | 1,128 mm | 20.0 °C |
| IJENDA | Bujumbura Rural, Burundi | 2,175 m | 1,132 mm | 19.8 °C |
| Gisovu Tea Factory | Gisovu, Rwanda | 2,178 m | 2,889 mm | 20.1 °C |
| Gacharage Tea Factory | Gacharage, Kenya | 2,157 m | 1,650 mm | 19.0 °C |
| Muganza - Kivu | Nyaruguru, Rwanda | 2,190 m | 1,193 mm | 19.8 °C |
Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory Compared with Rwanda
In Rwanda, Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory is wetter than 71% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 76% of the others by elevation; cooler than 76% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory against the 17 other estates we map in Rwanda, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,171 m | 1,953 m | 1,413 to 2,379 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,401 mm | 1,199 mm | 1,053 to 2,889 mm |
| Mean daily high | 20.3 °C | 22.0 °C | 18.1 to 26.3 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 11.2 °C | 12.8 °C | 9.6 to 15.2 °C |
Observed Climate at Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory’s coordinates recorded 1,401 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was March (225 mm) and the driest was July (20 mm). Daytime highs averaged 20.3 °C and overnight lows 11.2 °C over the year; September was the warmest month and May the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,401 mm |
| Wettest month | March (225 mm) |
| Driest month | July (20 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 20.3 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 11.2 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory located?
Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory is in Birambo, Rwanda, at coordinates -2.1610, 29.4430, at an elevation of about 2171 metres.
Who operates Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory?
Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory is operated by Karongi Tea Factory, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory produce?
Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory is recorded as producing black and green tea.
Which buyers does Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory as supplying Finlays.
How much rain does Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,401 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in March (225 mm).
How does Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory recorded 1,401 mm in 2025, 12% less rain than the 1,598 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].