Coffee · Cultural
6-Day Kaffa Coffee Origins Tour
Wild coffee in the Mankira forest, the Kaffa highlands of Bonga and the Bebeka estate.
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Season
- September to May
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Starting from
- $1,600
The Journey
5 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Travel to Kaffa, the region that gave coffee its name. Trek into the Mankira forest, where Arabica still grows wild beneath the canopy, meet the communities of the Bonga highlands, then spend two days at Bebeka, Ethiopia’s largest coffee estate, following the bean from farm to cup.
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
Your Ethiopian journey begins with a guided exploration of Addis Ababa. After settling into your hotel, drive to the summit of Mount Entoto to enjoy panoramic views of the capital and surrounding highlands. Continue to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous “Lucy” fossil and a remarkable collection of historical and archaeological treasures. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia’s most important religious landmarks and a significant historical site associated with the country’s modern history. Next, explore the Ethnological Museum, located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, where you will discover Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity, traditions, and way of life. End the day at Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in East Africa, and experience the lively atmosphere, colors, and daily life of Addis Ababa. Dinner and overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Jimma – Bonga (Kaffa Region)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Jimma. Upon arrival, begin a scenic drive to Bonga, located approximately 125 km away in the Kaffa region, widely recognized as the birthplace of Arabica coffee. In Bonga, visit a traditional Kaffa house to learn about the local culture, history, and the deep connection between the Kaffa people and Ethiopia’s coffee traditions. After lunch, explore the natural beauty of the region with visits to Adiyo Waterfalls, the healing Gora Hot Springs, and the beautiful landscapes of Ellelo and Dadiben. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Day 3
Mankira Coffee Forest Trek: Culture and Nature Experience
Begin the day with an early morning trek to the historic Mankira Forest, believed to be one of the original areas where Coffea Arabica was first discovered growing wild. Walk through the lush highland forest and experience the natural environment that gave birth to Ethiopia’s legendary coffee heritage. Along the way, visit the ancient Adaracha Medhane Alem Church and admire the naturally formed Gurguto Bridge, where cultural heritage and stunning landscapes come together. The trek offers a unique opportunity to explore Ethiopia’s coffee origins while discovering the rich biodiversity of the Kaffa highlands. Return to Bonga in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, traditional dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 4
Bonga – Bebeka Coffee Plantation
After breakfast, drive south to Bebeka, passing through the town of Mizan Teferi. Enjoy the scenic journey through the lush landscapes of the Kaffa region before arriving at your destination. Upon arrival, check in to your guesthouse or campsite and enjoy lunch before beginning a guided tour of the famous Bebeka Coffee Plantation. Covering more than 6,000 hectares, Bebeka is one of the largest and oldest coffee plantations in Ethiopia. Learn about the history of the plantation, modern coffee production methods, and the cultivation of high-quality Arabica coffee for local and international markets. Surrounded by beautiful forests and green landscapes, this visit offers an unforgettable insight into Ethiopia’s coffee industry. Dinner and overnight stay in Bebeka.
Day 5
Bebeka Coffee Plantation: From Farm to Cup
Spend the day exploring the rich coffee heritage of Ethiopia at the Bebeka Coffee Plantation. This hands-on experience takes you through the complete coffee journey, from planting seedlings and caring for coffee trees to harvesting, processing, and drying the beans. Discover both traditional and modern coffee production methods, meet local workers who dedicate their lives to coffee cultivation, and learn about the passion behind Ethiopia’s world-famous Arabica coffee. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Ethiopian coffee surrounded by the beautiful plantation landscape, experiencing the true connection between the land, the people, and the coffee in your cup. An unforgettable day that brings Ethiopia’s coffee story to life.
Day 6
Bebeka – Jimma – Addis Ababa Departure
In the morning, depart Bebeka and drive back to Jimma for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or optional sightseeing in the capital. In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell Ethiopian cultural dinner featuring a variety of traditional dishes, regional music, traditional dances, and a coffee ceremony highlighting the important role of coffee in Ethiopian culture. After dinner, you will be transferred to Bole International Airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Ethiopian coffee experience. A perfect conclusion to a journey through Ethiopia’s coffee origins, culture, and natural beauty.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 5 nights of accommodation: Hotels, Guest Houses, or Camping
- 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 6-Day Kaffa Coffee Origins Tour 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 · starting from $1,600 per person
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