Royal Coffee Town · Western Ethiopia
Jimma
The largest city in southwestern Ethiopia, once the seat of King Abba Jifar II and still a centre of the coffee trade.
- Best Time
- October to February
- Suggested Stay
- 1 to 2 days
- Altitude
- About 1,780 m
- Region
- Western Ethiopia
Why We Go
The old capital of the Kingdom of Jimma, at the heart of Ethiopia’s coffee country.
Jimma was the capital of the Kingdom of Jimma, one of the Gibe kingdoms of the southwest. Its best-known ruler, Abba Jifar II, reigned from 1878 until 1932, and his wooden palace and mosque still stand on a hill above the city. The Jimma Museum holds objects from the royal court.
Surrounded by green hills and coffee farms, Jimma remains one of Ethiopia’s main coffee-trading centres and a natural stop on journeys to Kafa, Bonga and Mizan Teferi. The city has an airport with flights from Addis Ababa.
Highlights
- The palace of King Abba Jifar II above the city
- The Jimma Museum and its royal collection
- Coffee farms and markets in the surrounding hills
- A gateway to Kafa and the southwestern forests
Journeys Including Jimma
Routes that pass through here
Plan This Destination
Build Jimma into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and our team will plan the route, including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Let’s Plan Your Ethiopian Adventure
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Discover Ethiopia. Experience the Extraordinary!
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our guides travel these routes all year. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or the best time to visit. You will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +251 912 039405