Deep in the misty highlands of southwestern Ethiopia lies the Kaffa Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO treasure often called the Mecca of Coffee. This is the legendary birthplace of coffee in the Land of Origins, where wild coffee still grows naturally in ancient forests. For coffee lovers, visiting Kaffa is not just travel — it is a pilgrimage to the very roots of the world’s most beloved drink.
Coffee Tours in the Birthplace of Coffee
A coffee tour in Kaffa offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Walk through the lush rainforests where coffee was first discovered centuries ago, and join local farmers who continue to nurture this living heritage.
What to expect on a coffee tour:
Explore the sacred forests where coffee still grows in the wild.
Join farmers in picking ripe cherries during harvest season (October–December).
Roast, grind, and brew with locals in the timeless Ethiopian ritual.
Visit villages where coffee is life, culture, and tradition.
Every sip here connects you directly to the birthplace of coffee.
A Biodiversity Hotspot in the Land of Origins
Kaffa is not only the Mecca of Coffee — it is also part of the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot, one of the most important ecological zones in Africa
Here you can encounter:
Primates such as colobus monkeys leaping in the canopy and baboons along the forest edges.
Mammals including antelopes in open clearings, and even leopards deep in the forest.
Birds — more than 300 species, including four endemics found only in Ethiopia: the Abyssinian Catbird, Ethiopian Oriole, Blue-winged Goose, and Wattled Ibis.
This unique mix of wildlife, forests, and culture makes Kaffa a destination for both nature lovers and cultural explorers.
Why Kaffa is a Pilgrimage for Coffee Lovers
A visit to the Kaffa Biosphere Reserve is more than a journey — it is a pilgrimage to the birthplace of coffee in the Land of Origins. Here, you walk in the same forests where the story of coffee began, taste it in its purest form, and share in the traditions of the people who have protected it for generations.
For travelers who love coffee, culture, and conservation, Kaffa is an unforgettable experience.
Travel Tip
Plan your journey during the coffee harvest season (October–December), when the forests turn red with ripe coffee cherries and the air is alive with the scent of roasting beans.