Coffee & Culture Tour
Follow coffee to its birthplace in southwest Ethiopia: plantations around Jimma, the Sor Waterfall and the rarely visited Gambella region, home to the Nuer and Anuak peoples.
Be part of the ceremony
‘Buna’, coffee in Amharic, is a centrepiece of Ethiopian life. Ages ago, the coffee tree was discovered in Ethiopia and changed the world forever. Today, coffee continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy and culture.
This off-the-beaten-track tour takes you to southwest Ethiopia, where high-quality coffee is grown for export. Visit a large coffee plantation in the Jimma region, a former kingdom with its own striking history, and, depending on the season, see how coffee is picked and sorted. Then continue to the rarely visited Gambella region to spend time with the Nuer and Anuak peoples, who have shared the land around the Baro River for centuries. It is an excellent alternative for travellers who have already visited the Omo Valley, or who prefer places less affected by tourism.
Trip facts
What you will see
The coffee ceremony
Roasting, brewing and sharing buna, the heart of Ethiopian hospitality.
Coffee plantations of Jimma & Limu
See how coffee is grown, picked and sorted, depending on the season.
From bean to cup
Learn about the whole coffee value chain, from smallholder farms to export.
Also on the route: the Aba Jiffar Palace in Jimma, the Sor Waterfall near Metu, the Baro River and the Nuer and Anuak villages around Gambella.
Day by day
A 7-day example. We adjust every itinerary to you.
Day 1 · Addis Ababa to Jimma
Drive southwest through the Gurage region and the Gibe River valley to Jimma, and visit the Aba Jiffar Palace. Overnight in Jimma.
Day 2 · The coffee road to Metu
Drive the “coffee road” to Limu and visit the Limu coffee plantation, then continue to the town of Metu. Overnight in Metu.
Day 3 · Sor Waterfall & on to Gambella
A half-day hike to the Sor Waterfall near Metu, one of Ethiopia’s largest, with a packed lunch above the falls. Continue the scenic drive down to Gambella, at about 500 m altitude on the Baro River. Overnight in Gambella.
Day 4 · Anuak & Nuer villages
A cultural day trip to the villages of Itang and Laria to meet the Anuak and Nuer peoples. Overnight in Gambella.
Day 5 · Nuer village of Elia
A half-day cultural visit to the Nuer village of Elia. Back in Gambella, visit a local beadwork shop. Overnight in Gambella.
Day 6 · Gambella to Jimma
Drive back to Jimma, stopping for lunch at Bedele. Overnight in Jimma.
Day 7 · Return to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping for lunch along the way.
Where available, you can also stay at a coffee farm campsite.
What our travellers say
Frequently asked questions
When is the coffee harvest?
In southwest Ethiopia, around Jimma and Limu, the coffee harvest usually runs from about October to December, and can start as early as September in some areas. Outside the harvest you can still visit plantations and learn about how coffee is grown and processed.
How is Gambella different from the Omo Valley?
Gambella is far less visited. It offers a quieter, more personal cultural experience with the Nuer and Anuak peoples, and is ideal if you have already been to the Omo Valley.
Is there a lot of driving?
Yes. The journey covers long distances through the countryside, which is part of the experience: you see everyday rural life, coffee farms and changing landscapes between the sites.
Is the route always open?
Conditions in some border regions can change. We check the latest situation before every trip and adapt the route if needed.
Can I combine this tour with others?
Yes. It combines well with the Omo Valley or the Great Rift Valley. Contact us and we will help you plan your trip.
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Plan your Coffee & Culture trip
Tell us your dates, number of travellers and what you would love to see. We usually reply within 1–2 working days.