Ethiopia · Coffee Plantation Tours

6-Day Ethiopian Coffee Tour through Sidama, Yirgacheffe and Guji

6 Days Round trip from Ethiopia Easy pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover Ethiopia's legendary coffee regions, including Sidama, Yirgacheffe, and Guji
02 Explore traditional coffee farms and learn cultivation and processing techniques
03 Experience authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremonies with local communities
04 Enjoy guided tastings showcasing distinct regional coffee flavours
05 Travel through the scenic Rift Valley with birdwatching at Lake Ziway
06 Gather around a bonfire in Guji for storytelling and coffee under the stars

Discover Ethiopia's rich coffee heritage on this immersive 6-day journey through Addis Ababa, Sidama, Yirgacheffe, and Guji. Travel through the scenic Rift Valley to explore lush plantations, traditional farms, and renowned coffee-growing communities. Learn about cultivation, organic processing, and roasting methods directly from local farmers, while taking part in authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and guided tastings that reveal distinct regional flavours. Along the way, enjoy birdwatching, cultural encounters, and a deeper understanding of Ethiopia's world-renowned coffee culture.

In the evening, gather around a bonfire for storytelling and a memorable coffee experience under the stars.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Addis Ababa, Awassa, Ziway

Languages Amharic, Croatian, Dutch, English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Slovak

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa and Museum Visit

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Begin your journey with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia or the Ethnological Museum.
In the evening, enjoy your first traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an essential cultural experience.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 02

Rift Valley Drive to Hawassa in the Sidama Region

Drive south through the scenic Rift Valley, stopping at Lake Ziway for birdwatching and a visit to the local fish market.
Continue to Hawassa, the vibrant capital of the Sidama region.
Enjoy a relaxing lakeside walk and an introductory coffee tasting.

Overnight in Hawassa.

Day 03

Sidama Coffee Experience and Yirgalem Forest

Travel into the heart of Sidama's renowned coffee zone and visit local farms to learn about traditional cultivation and organic processing techniques.
Share lunch with local farmers and participate in an authentic coffee ceremony.
In the afternoon, continue to Yirgalem and settle into a peaceful eco lodge surrounded by forest and wildlife.

Overnight in Yirgalem.

Day 04

Yirgacheffe's Iconic Coffee Region

Drive to Yirgacheffe, famous worldwide for its delicate and floral coffee profile.
Explore smallholder farms and washing stations, and take part in coffee harvesting when in season.
Enjoy guided tastings highlighting the unique characteristics of Yirgacheffe beans.

Overnight in Yirgacheffe or a nearby lodge.

Day 05

Guji Highlands and Cultural Encounters

Journey to the lush highlands of Guji Zone, an emerging specialty coffee region.
Visit local farms and cooperatives, and meet communities to learn about their traditions and way of life.
In the evening, gather around a bonfire for storytelling and a memorable coffee experience under the stars.

Overnight in Guji or an eco lodge.

Day 06

Return to Addis Ababa and Departure

Drive back to Addis Ababa through the beautiful Rift Valley landscapes, with stops for lunch and panoramic views.
Enjoy a final curated coffee tasting featuring beans from the regions you have explored.
Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Where this trip takes you

Rift Valley, Lake Ziway, Yirgacheffe coffee farms, Guji highlands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Ethiopia 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation is provided as per the itinerary, on a per-night basis.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the tour.
Well-maintained 4WD touring vehicles in excellent condition.
Professional and experienced drivers are included.
All entrance fees to tourist sites are included.
Photography fees at attractions are also covered.
Experienced local tour guides at each destination.
A professional tour guide accompanies the entire route for the full journey.

What's Not Included

Domestic flight tickets
Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages
Laundry services and other personal items

What to bring

Sunscreen with high SPF
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent for malaria prevention
Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and thorn protection
Sturdy closed-toe shoes for uneven terrain
Headlamp or flashlight due to limited electricity
Small towel and wet wipes for dusty conditions
Power bank, as charging is limited in remote areas
Enough cash, as cards are unavailable in some areas
Passport and ID card

Know before you go

Respect local customs and always ask permission before taking photos.
There are no ATMs or card facilities, so bring enough cash for your entire stay, as cards will not work in the valley.
Expect basic accommodation with simple lodges or camping, limited electricity, and no hot water in some remote areas.
Security checkpoints are common, so carry a copy of your passport for routine military or police checks.
Malaria risk is present, so use insect repellent.

Logistics