Coffee · Cultural
5-Day Ethiopia Coffee
A city day in Addis Ababa, then the coffee lands of Sidama and Yirgacheffe.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Season
- September to May
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
4 nights, designed around the hours that matter
The four-day coffee journey with a full day in the capital first: Addis Ababa’s museums, markets and coffee houses set the scene before you travel south to the farms of Aleta Wondo and Yirgacheffe and end with the lively fish market on the shore of Lake Hawassa.
Places
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in and refreshment. Begin your exploration of Ethiopia’s capital with a visit to Mount Entoto, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding highlands. Continue to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous hominid fossil “Lucy,” one of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries. Visit the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious landmark and the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Next, explore the Ethnological Museum, located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, before experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in East Africa. Dinner and overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Yirgalem via Awash River and Lake Ziway
After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and travel south toward the Sidama region and the beautiful town of Yirgalem, located approximately 350 km away. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, with stops at the Awash River and Lake Ziway, both excellent locations for birdwatching and enjoying Ethiopia’s natural landscapes. Continue to Hawassa for lunch before proceeding to Aregash Lodge, a peaceful eco-lodge surrounded by forest and traditional farmland. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, dinner, and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3
Aleta Wondo Coffee Plantation & Cultural Experience
In the morning, travel to Aleta Wondo to visit the Wottona Boltuma Coffee Plantation, a wonderful example of traditional Ethiopian coffee production. Learn about the coffee-growing process, from cultivation to harvesting and processing, and discover the heritage behind Ethiopia’s world-famous coffee. Continue with a visit to nearby stelae sites, where you can explore ancient stone monuments and learn about the region’s fascinating history and cultural heritage. After lunch in Aleta Wondo, return to Yirgalem and spend a relaxing evening at Aregash Lodge, surrounded by nature and the peaceful atmosphere of the Sidama countryside. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4
Yirgacheffe Coffee Experience – Dilla – Hawassa
Start the day with a scenic drive to Yirgacheffe, one of Ethiopia’s most famous and internationally recognized coffee-producing regions. Along the way, visit a local village to experience the traditions, lifestyle, and warm hospitality of the community. In Yirgacheffe, explore a coffee farm and learn about traditional coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing methods. Discover the unique flavors and heritage that make Ethiopian coffee famous around the world. Enjoy lunch in Dilla before continuing to Hawassa for a relaxing evening by the lake. Unwind at your lakeside resort and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay in Hawassa.
Day 5
Hawassa Fish Market – Addis Ababa Departure
Begin your day with a visit to the lively Hawassa Fish Market on the shores of Lake Hawassa, where local fishermen bring in their daily catch and you can experience an authentic local atmosphere. After the visit, drive back to Addis Ababa through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell Ethiopian cultural dinner featuring traditional dishes, live music, cultural dances, and a final traditional coffee ceremony. After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure. A memorable conclusion to your Ethiopia Coffee Tour, combining culture, tradition, and warm Ethiopian hospitality.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Comfortable air-conditioned minibus with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 4 nights of accommodation: 3-Star Hotel, Aregash Lodge, Awassa Resort
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Farm and washing-station visits with coffee tastings
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 5-Day Ethiopia Coffee yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs September to May · Private or group · A quote made for your journey
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