We sat down with Hillary from Changamiri Coffee Company, with whom we have collaborated on the upcoming fixed date Zimbabwe Coffee Safari – a first of its kind in the country and possibly Southern Africa. We asked him a few questions to shed light on the experience and here is what he had to say:
- How did the idea of the coffee safari come to be?
Having personally discovered the quality of the coffee from Zimbabwe’s small scale farmers and how wonderful their communities are, the idea of the coffee safari was an obvious option to share with the rest of the world. The coffee safari would go further than the coffee itself in telling the incredible story of resilience the farmers have demonstrated in the face of some of the most difficult economic circumstances. It will open a window to the world of what the impact of climate change is on these farmers’ lives and livelihoods and therefore why sustainable consumer habits matter.
- Why is it important for a coffee lover to be a part of a coffee safari trip?
The coffee safari is not only an opportunity to connect and share in the experiences of some of the farmers producing the finest coffee in the world, it is a bucket-list experience of a lifetime taking one through some of the world’s most fascinating tourist attractions.
- Why is it important to you personally and or Changamiri Coffee Company that a coffee safari happens in Zimbabwe and in 2021 specifically?
As a business, Changamiri Coffee Co. is determined to engage in activities that will not only bring global attention to Zimbabwe’s small scale coffee farming community, but also help in developing a sustainable coffee industry that contributes to the Zimbabwean economy meaningfully. Following the COVID19 global pandemic and its effect on people in 2020, the coffee safari in 2021 is an opportunity for people to go out again. It is an opportunity for participants to witness how the coffee growing communities have navigated the pandemic and bounced back from the effects of Cyclone Idai before it.
- Zimbabwe is not known around the world for its coffee, so why should people visit Zimbabwe specifically for coffee?
Zimbabwe is not a big player in the general trade commodity coffee. It however holds a special place in the specialty coffee sector for its aroma and flavours. Specialty roasters love it for the balance it brings to origins such as Brazil.
- Describe the Zimbabwe coffee experience with an emoji, no words!
- What has been your highlight when you have travelled around Zimbabwe?
Wildlife, Scenery and People
- What is the best time to have a coffee safari trip in Zimbabwe & why?
The best time for a coffee safari is towards the end of August into September when the harvest season has just started.
- Is there a chance to take part and see the production process? Please describe this in detail
Participants in the coffee safari will have an opportunity to pick some ripe cherries from the coffee trees before putting them through the washing station. They will also take part in the processing of cherries into green coffee beans then the grading before roasting and tasting.
- Is there an opportunity for special and expanded tasting of coffee?
One of the key moments and highlights of the whole coffee safari is the cupping experience at the homestead of one of the small scale farmers. The coffee will have been hand-pan roasted over wood fire using artisanal equipment.
- What are the benefits of taking part in the safari as part of a group?
Joining as a group is good for sharing special moments with people you know. The coffee safari is one such experience which creates several moments to share with friends and family.
- Can I join the group as a solo traveller?
Of course. The coffee safari is built to give both group and solo travellers the same outstanding experience.
- Why is the Bvumba & Chipinge Coffee special or unique?
The coffee from this region is grown in optimal conditions at the perfect 5000ft (1.5km) altitude for specialty coffee.
- What is the best way to visit coffee farms sustainably?
Accessing the coffee farming communities requires all terrain vehicles. Once at a chosen location, all activities are accessed on foot.
- How do the farmers benefit from the coffee safari?
The primary purpose of the coffee safari is to connect the farmers in developing countries with consumers in developed countries. Ultimately, consumers should access their coffee as directly from the farm as possible so that the farmers receive the most for their hard work. Creating these relationships between the two will help to encourage farmers to be involved in the more valuable downstream activities in the value chain.
- Is there a chance to take part in other activities such as coffee brewing lessons?
The resident liquorer (Q-grader) at Zimbabwe Coffee Mill conducts roasting and brewing masterclasses which coffee safari participants will have a chance to be a part of.
- Is there an on-site café where we can drink the coffee after the tour?
There is no on-site café but there are coffee shops within the area
- Can we buy coffee during the safari and take it with us back home?
Part of the experience on the safari is to process and roast one’s own coffee and bring it back home.
- Who should or should not take part in the coffee safari experience?
Anyone who loves coffee and cares about the livelihoods of coffee farmers or anyone interested in sustainability in general can join the coffee safari.
- How safe is Zimbabwe as a destination? Is it safe for women travellers?
One of the top reasons for visiting Zimbabwe is its people. Zimbabweans are known to be some of the friendliest and open people in the world. In recent years, prominent travel sites have been featured among the top places to visit anywhere in the world. These include CNN Travel, Conde Nast, U.S. News and The Telegraph.
Hillary is the founder of Changamiri Coffee Company based in the United Kingdom. Changamiri works with small-scale coffee producers in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands as co-creators beyond their farm-gates.
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