In short: Nyabihu Tea Estate is a tea producer in Rwanda's NR16 region, operated by Rwanda Mountain Tea S.A.R.L. and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Nyabihu Tea Estate is a tea producer located in the NR16 region of Rwanda, at an elevation of 1,746 metres. The estate is operated by Rwanda Mountain Tea S.A.R.L. and holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership. It produces both black and green tea.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,746 metres above sea level, Nyabihu occupies a high-altitude position typical of Rwanda's tea-growing zones. Estates at this elevation in equatorial East Africa generally experience moderated temperatures and significant diurnal variation, conditions that tend to slow leaf development and can contribute to the accumulation of flavour compounds. The combination of altitude and latitude typically supports a year-round growing cycle, though growth rates often fluctuate with seasonal rainfall patterns.
Rwanda's volcanic soils, common across much of the country's tea-growing regions, tend to offer good drainage and mineral content. The NR16 region's climate is characterised by relatively high rainfall and persistent cloud cover at elevation, factors that generally favour consistent vegetative growth. These conditions typically influence both yield patterns and the chemical composition of the leaf.
Tea Produced
Nyabihu produces both black and green tea. Rwandan teas from this elevation range typically yield a cup profile that is clean and bright, with estates in the region often producing black teas characterised by moderate body and a tendency towards floral or grassy notes rather than heavy astringency. Green teas from high-altitude Rwandan estates generally display a fresh, vegetal character. The slower maturation associated with cooler growing conditions at this altitude often correlates with a more delicate leaf structure.
Operator
Rwanda Mountain Tea S.A.R.L. operates Nyabihu Tea Estate and is recorded as the operator of one other estate in our directory. The company is part of Rwanda's developing tea sector, which has seen increased private investment and operational consolidation in recent years.
Certifications & Ethics
Nyabihu holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an independent membership organisation that works to improve working conditions and environmental practices across tea supply chains. ETP certification indicates that the estate undergoes regular independent audits against the partnership's standards covering labour rights, health and safety, and environmental stewardship. For buyers, this certification provides a degree of third-party assurance on social and environmental compliance.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Nyabihu Tea Estate lies at -1.8465, 29.6291 in NR16, Rwanda. Its 1746 m elevation is the 13th highest of 18 estates we map in Rwanda. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- RUBAYA — 16 km away · Kabaya
- Karongi Ltd, Muganza, Kivu Tea Factory — 29 km away · Birambo
- Mata — 29 km away · Mata
- Pfunda Tea Factory — 36 km away · Rubavu
- Karongi\u00a0Tea Factory — 41 km away · Birambo
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Nyabihu Tea Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Nyabihu Tea Estate (1,746 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Nyabihu Tea Estate recorded 1,122 mm in 2025, 37% less than the 1,774 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Forest Tea Estate | Dudley Senanayake Mawatha, Sri Lanka | 1,744 m | 2,796 mm | 20.4 °C |
| Gumaro | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 1,725 m | 1,663 mm | 25.0 °C |
| Bannockburn Tea Estate | West Bengal, India | 1,724 m | 2,294 mm | 19.3 °C |
| MUNUNGA | Kerugoya, Kenya | 1,769 m | 1,066 mm | 21.6 °C |
| Dl Teas Tanzania, Kibena Tea Factory- Njombe | Ninga, Tanzania United Republic Of | 1,770 m | 1,053 mm | 21.6 °C |
Nyabihu Tea Estate Compared with Rwanda
In Rwanda, Nyabihu Tea Estate is drier than 88% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 71% of the others by elevation; warmer than 71% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Nyabihu Tea Estate against the 17 other estates we map in Rwanda, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Nyabihu Tea Estate | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,746 m | 1,964 m | 1,413 to 2,379 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,122 mm | 1,213 mm | 1,053 to 2,889 mm |
| Mean daily high | 23.2 °C | 22.0 °C | 18.1 to 26.3 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.9 °C | 12.6 °C | 9.6 to 15.2 °C |
Observed Climate at Nyabihu Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Nyabihu Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 1,122 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was March (163 mm) and the driest was July (10 mm). Daytime highs averaged 23.2 °C and overnight lows 14.9 °C over the year; September was the warmest month and May the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,122 mm |
| Wettest month | March (163 mm) |
| Driest month | July (10 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 23.2 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.9 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nyabihu Tea Estate located?
Nyabihu Tea Estate is in NR16, Rwanda, at coordinates -1.8465, 29.6291, at an elevation of about 1746 metres.
Who operates Nyabihu Tea Estate?
Nyabihu Tea Estate is operated by Rwanda Mountain Tea S.A.R.L., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Nyabihu Tea Estate produce?
Nyabihu Tea Estate is recorded as producing black and green tea.
What certifications does Nyabihu Tea Estate hold?
Nyabihu Tea Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Nyabihu Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,122 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in March (163 mm).
How does Nyabihu Tea Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Nyabihu Tea Estate recorded 1,122 mm in 2025, 37% less rain than the 1,774 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].
