Saw nearly 3/4 of Rwanda from the car in 2 days

Took up the offer from SPREAD to join Jeff from Zoka Coffee. He was visiting the washing stations where he purchased from at the auction, Saturday. Was a great way for me to see so much of Rwanda, might not have had the opportunity otherwise.
We started in Butare headed toward the western province, through the National Forest. Aside from the National Guard soldiers at check points, no one to be seen. It was incredible, landscape drama at its best. From what I am told most of the indigenous animal life in Rwanda is confined to the National Parks. This is to ensure their preservation in an overly populated country.

Coming out of the forest we approached nearly 100km of tea plantations as well as rice and sugar cane crop. We then made our way to the eastern shore of Kivu Lake. We stayed the night in Kibuye at the Hotel Golf. It was incredible there. I was very aware of the difference between the hotel and the surrounding village.

Monday morning we traveled to the Eastern Province. The stark difference in landscape was fascinating. I am interested to see the success of the co-op we visited as it starts in on its second year. With the future potential of several thousand members, they could be prime candidates for the bike program. Especially with the landscape. I think the bikes would be put to good use there. I plan to keep tabs on their progress. Back to Butare, homebase.