Ethiopia is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee, with a history that dates back centuries in the Ethiopian region of Keffa. According to historical documents, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating berries from a certain tree, what we now know as the coffee plant. Curious, the goat herder tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound vitality. This discovery eventually led to the wide cultivation of coffee plants in Ethiopia, shaping the country’s cultural identity and economic landscape.
Coffee in Ethiopia is far more than just a beverage; it is a deeply rooted social tradition. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a key aspect of social interaction, friendship, warm hospitality and respect. This elaborate ritual often involves roasting green coffee beans over an open flame, grinding them by hand, and brewing the coffee in a special pot called a Jebena. The process can take hours and typically includes the serving of three rounds of coffee- Abol, Tona, and Baraka – each with its own significance. Sharing coffee in this way is a gesture of friendship and respect.
Today, Ethiopian coffee is cherished by coffee aficionados around the world and remains a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage and economy. Whether enjoyed during a ceremonial gathering or sipped from a café in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian coffee continues to offer a taste of the country’s rich history and warm hospitality.
As many people agreed, the exceptional quality and flavor of Ethiopian coffee are largely due to the country’s diverse geography and ideal growing conditions. Coffee is primarily grown in high-altitude regions with rich, fertile soil and a variety of microclimates. These environmental factors contribute to the complex, fruity, and floral notes that distinguish Ethiopian beans from those of other origins. Regions such as Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harar are particularly famous for their distinct flavor profiles.
Thus, the country could offer a unique and enriching experience for coffee enthusiasts through its vibrant coffee tourism. From the lush coffee plantations to the traditional coffee ceremonies, travelers can immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural significance of Ethiopian coffee. International travelers who are coffee enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore Ethiopian coffee tourism and uncover the beauty and uniqueness of this experience.
In recent years, the Ethiopian government, along with local communities and international stakeholders, has been working to promote coffee tourism as part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify the tourism sector. The country’s coffee trails span across lush, green regions such as Sidama, Yirgacheffe and Harar, areas known for producing some of the finest and most distinctive coffee beans in the world.
Recently, Tourism State Minister Endegena Abebe said that Ethiopia has been carrying out endeavors that promote its untapped coffee tourism by preparing tour packages to the origin of coffee and making visitors experience the vibrant coffee culture.
Opening the Second Regular General Assembly of Ethiopian National Coffee Association (ENCA), the State Minister said that coffee has unique cultural values in Ethiopia beyond its being the backbone of export trade and the economy in general.
Therefore, the Ministry is working in collaboration with the association in using large coffee farms and the home of coffee origins as tour packages.
The packages for visitors include the cultivation, harvesting, and all the processing of coffee and its unique traditional ceremonies as well as experiencing the vibrant coffee culture.
Moreover, the Ministry is working in collaboration with other pertinent stakeholders on training since coffee needs to be supported by research endeavors.
Ethiopian National Coffee Association President Hussien Ambo also said that the private sector has a huge role in executing the government’s strategic plan in the coffee sector value chain.
According to him, the Association was established with the target to promote coffee by assessing and resolving challenges in the coffee sector in collaboration with the government and other pertinent stakeholders.
Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Director-General representative, Sefisa Ababu, for his part affirmed that Ethiopia’s coffee sector has registered remarkable achievements during the past nine months. Notably, the country achieved a historic milestone in the coffee sector by securing over 1.5 billion USD by exporting 299,607 tons of coffee during the stated period.
The representative attributed the historic achievement to the government and coffee associations, producers and other pertinent stakeholders in the coffee value chain.
The coffee sector is the base of livelihood of over 25 million citizens in Ethiopia, he noted.
The top 10 destinations of Ethiopia’s coffee export are Saudi Arabia, Germany, the USA, Belgium, China, South Korea, the UAE, Japan, Italy, and Jordan.
According to experts, visitors can take part in guided tours of coffee farms, where they meet local farmers, learn about sustainable cultivation methods, and even participate in traditional harvesting and processing.
Moreover, travelers can visit local coffee plantations, witness the harvesting process, and even participate in coffee-picking activities alongside farmers, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee cultivation.
One of the highlights of Ethiopian coffee tourism is the traditional coffee ceremony, known as “Bunna”. This elaborate ritual involves roasting green coffee beans over an open flame, grinding them by hand, and brewing them in a Jebena (clay pot). The aromatic coffee is then served in small cups called “Sini” as a gesture of hospitality and friendship. Travelers can partake in this ceremony, savoring the bold flavors of Ethiopian coffee while engaging with local communities.
Coffee plantations in Ethiopia follow organic farming methods, promoting biodiversity and environmental conservation. By supporting these ethical practices, travelers can contribute to the livelihoods of local farmers and communities, ensuring the long-term viability of the coffee industry in Ethiopia.
What is more, Ethiopia practiced the coffee making and drinking ritual that is an integral part of the cultural life in the country. Being invited to a coffee ceremony is considered one of the most significant signs of respect and friendship. The “Jebena Buna” ceremony is an essential part of everyday life in Ethiopia involving entire families with their children and lasting up to two hours.
In sum, Ethiopian coffee tourism offers a unique blend of history, culture, and sensory experiences for travelers seeking to delve into the world of coffee. From exploring the origins of coffee in Ethiopia to participating in traditional coffee ceremonies, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of coffee in Ethiopian society. By supporting sustainable coffee practices, travelers not only enjoy exceptional coffee but also contribute to the preservation of Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage for generations to come.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 9 MAY 2025
