Southern highlands

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS 

The Southern Highlands are a key coffee-producing area in Burundi, known for high-quality Arabica Bourbon beans grown at 1,300–1,900 meters above sea level. The region’s fertile volcanic soils, cool climate, and ample rainfall create ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation, enhancing sweetness, acidity, and complexity. The southern highlands include districts, Rutana (Produces full-bodied coffees with red fruit, chocolate, and floral notes, prized in specialty markets) and Bururi (Known for complex, aromatic coffees with balanced acidity and layered flavours, often hand-picked and fully washed).

Coffees from the Southern Highlands are complex, full-bodied, and aromatic, with red fruit, chocolate, and floral undertones, making them highly sought after in the specialty coffee market. Coffee is grown primarily by smallholder farmers, usually under 0.3 hectares per farm. Farmers often work in cooperatives that operate washing stations, using the fully washed method to maintain consistency and high quality.

The Southern Highlands complement Burundi’s Northern and Central Highlands by producing full-bodied, complex coffees with rich flavours. Together, these three highland regions make Burundi a notable origin for specialty Arabica Bourbon coffee, emphasizing quality, traceability, and international recognition.