Since the horrors of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has received a rare kind of attention, and not just any attention—focused aid that’s helped rebuild its coffee industry like a flower pushing through concrete. Thanks to efforts like USAID and some U.S. universities, Rwanda’s coffee sector got a much-needed boost, introducing new infrastructure and washing stations, including the now-famous Kanzu. These projects didn’t just toss a few dollars and hope for the best. No, they aimed to revolutionize Rwanda’s place in the specialty coffee world by giving farmers the tools to thrive, not just survive. The result? Coffee that’s as strong as the people behind it.

But there’s something pretty magical about Kanzu. Unlike your average washing station that’s right off the main road, this one makes you work for it. You’ll drive as far as Gatare, then it’s all hiking from there. Nestled up against the Nyungwe Forest, the station is surrounded by a rich biodiversity that’s protected from deforestation and environmental damage. With a misty microclimate rolling in thanks to the nearby cloud forest, the coffee cherries here ripen slower than in most parts of Rwanda. This slower growth leads to a more complex flavor, shaped by the cool, steady hand of nature herself. And with views that drop down to Lake Kivu, you get more than just good coffee—you get a front-row seat to one of the most stunning landscapes on earth.