Birthplace of Coffee · Western Ethiopia
Kafa Biosphere Reserve & Bonga
In Ethiopia’s southwest, the Kaffa region, which gave coffee its name, still holds forests where Coffea arabica grows wild.
- Best Time
- October to May
- Suggested Stay
- 2 to 3 days
- Altitude
- 1,700 to 2,300 m
- Region
- Western Ethiopia
Why We Go
Wild Arabica in the montane forests of the Kafa Biosphere Reserve.
Legend says coffee was discovered in Kaffa by a goatherd named Kaldi. Today the Kafa Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO in 2010, protects montane rainforest where wild coffee grows beneath the canopy.
From Bonga, short treks lead into the forest at Mankira, and the journey continues to Bebeka, one of Ethiopia’s largest coffee estates, to follow the bean from farm to cup.
Highlights
- Forest walks to the Mankira “mother coffee” trees
- The UNESCO Kafa Biosphere Reserve
- Colobus monkeys and forest birds
- The Bebeka coffee estate near Mizan Teferi
Journeys Including Kafa Biosphere Reserve & Bonga
Routes that pass through here
More in Western Ethiopia
Plan This Destination
Build Kafa Biosphere Reserve & Bonga 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