Our Washing
Stations

The Ruli coffee washing station, known as Musasa, is located in Gatagara village, Jango cell, Ruli sector, Gakenke district, within the former Musasa commune for which the region is named. Partially funded by the Rwandan Ministry of Defence at its founding, the station began operations in 2004 as our very first washing station, serving 300 pioneer members. Today, it is the largest of the four washing stations owned by the cooperative and also serves as our head office. Perched atop a sweeping hill at 2,100 masl, the station overlooks a stunning network of valleys and rolling hills, just 70 kilometers from Kigali. The area holds enormous specialty coffee potential, fueled by exceptional climate conditions and a deep-rooted passion for coffee among local people. The station is famously known for its iconic mural on the main first building, boldly reading “MUSASA CAFÉ” and depicting farmers working in coffee plots. This artwork stands as a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our member producers and a visual pledge to quality. The coffee grown here is Arabica Bourbon, cultivated by over 2000 small-scale farmers on farms situated between 1,800 and 2,100 meters. Certified Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and C.A.F.E. Practices, our harvest season runs from March to October, yielding approximately six containers of exportable green coffee each year.

Established in 2005 as our second washing station, Mbilima was funded entirely from profits generated by our first station. It was built to ease the burden on local farmers who previously faced long, difficult journeys to deliver their harvest to Ruli, journeys that often compromised cherry quality before processing. Located in Akanduga Village, Mbilima Cell, Coko Sector, Gakenke District, the station sits at approximately 2,020 masl, placing it among the highest coffee washing stations in Rwanda. Though modest in size, it serves 896 farmers, most of them small-scale growers from the surrounding hills. Since 2015, the farms supplying Mbilima have been dedicated exclusively to organic production. The mineral-rich soils and lush microclimate create ideal conditions for specialty coffee, with the dominant variety being Arabica Bourbon. Spread across 72 hectares and situated between 2,000 and 2,220 masl, these farms are both Fair Trade and organic certified. Harvest runs from March to October, yielding over five containers of exportable green coffee each year.

Established in 2007 to support local farmers, Nkara Coffee Washing Station is nestled amidst the rugged hills between Muhondo and Ruli sectors, specifically in Ruli Sector, Busoro Cell, Gitaba Village. It is surrounded by green sloping hills, benefiting from a favorable climate that enhances the coffee's quality. The station cultivates Arabica Bourbon variety coffee. Approximately 226 farmers, mostly small-scale growers who also cultivate crops like beans and cassava, deliver their harvests to Nkara. Farm altitudes range from 1,800 to 2,100 meters above sea level, while the washing station itself is situated at about 1,800 meters. Harvesting occurs from March to October, yielding about 3 containers of exportable green coffee annually.

Musambira Coffee Washing Station was acquired in 2015 as part of our expansion strategy to meet the growing demand in coffee markets and to strengthen our investment in the local community beyond our initial operations. Situated in Kamonyi District, Southern Province, it collaborates with approximately 1,600 farmers from the region. This station offers a unique opportunity for diversification in quality and flavors, enhancing our coffee profiles for customers worldwide. It also helps alleviate pressure on raw materials during periods of heightened competition in the condensed northern region. Benefiting from proximity to tarmac roads, Musambira facilitates efficient transportation of cherries, thereby improving the quality of coffee from farm to processing. Despite its modest beginnings, this growing station has significantly enhanced its infrastructure to ensure improved quality standards.