Trail Running in the Land of Coffee

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About Trail Running in the Land of Coffee

Welcome to Ethiopia, the birthplace of both Arabica coffee and some of the greatest distance runners the world has ever seen . This is not a coincidence. At 2,400 metres above sea level, the air is thin, the coffee cherries ripen slowly, and runners' lungs adapt to become engines of endurance. On this Monpays Tours exclusive, you will run through the very landscapes where legends like Haile Gebreselassie were forged. You will start on the eucalyptus-lined trails of Entoto Park, the site of Addis Ababa's famous monthly community run where 700 runners gather for 5 kilometres no prizes, just pure joy and complimentary coffee before and after . You will follow the Great Rift Valley lakes of Ziway and Hawassa, where your daily 10-15 kilometres take you past fishermen, flamingos, and volcanic shores. And you will enter the heart of coffee country Yirgalem, Jimma, and the Kafa Biosphere Reserve where you run between wild coffee plantations during the harvest season, the scent of roasting beans carried on the morning mist. At Monpays Tours, we celebrate 20 years by bringing you the most authentic running experience on Earth: no podiums, no pressure, just the road, the mountain, and the coffee.

Highlights

What Makes It Special

                            
                            Run the Entoto Park CBE Run a 5-kilometre monthly community race at 2,400 metres, with complimentary coffee and no prizes
                        

                            
                            Be guided by a professional Ethiopian athlete who shares training secrets and runs alongside you on every trail
                        

                            
                            Run the lakeshore trails of Ziway and Hawassa, passing fishermen, markets, and flamingos
                        

                            
                            Enter the Yirgalem coffee plantations during harvest season, running between rows of wild Arabica coffee
                        

                            
                            Visit the Kafa Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO), the birthplace of Coffea arabica, with a trail through cloud forest and wild coffee trees
                        

                            
                            Hike to the Abba Jifar II Palace in Jimma, an 8-kilometre warm-up with a royal finish
                        

                            
                            Join a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony after your run the perfect post-race ritual
                        

Must See

Top Attractions

Entoto Natural Park The highest point of Addis (2,400–3,000 metres), with eucalyptus forests, panoramic city views, and the monthly community run

Entoto CBE Run A 5-kilometre free race held on the first Saturday of every month, capped at 700 runners. No prizes just coffee, community, and the mountain

Haile Gebreselassie's Legacy The legendary runner founded this event and is often present. He also grows coffee in the Sheka forest under his own label "Haile Coffee"

The Rift Valley Lakes Ziway & Hawassa (Days 2-3):

Lake Ziway Run along the shores of this bird-filled lake, passing fishermen and pelicans. Boat trip afterwards on the lake

Hawassa Lakeside Trail A 10-15 kilometre trail through fishing villages, markets, and the famous Hawassa Fish Market

Coffee Country Yirgalem & Jimma (Days 4-6):

Yirgalem Coffee Plantations Run between rows of wild Arabica coffee during harvest season. Visit a coffee farm for a tasting and ceremony

Horizon Coffee Plantations (Katalenja, Kossa) A 1,400-hectare plantation near Jimma. A must-visit for coffee lovers

Abba Jifar II Palace The best-preserved royal palace in Jimma, reached by an 8-kilometre hike or run

Kafa Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) The birthplace of Coffea arabica. Trail runs through misty cloud forest, bamboo groves, and wild coffee trees

When to Go

Best Time to Visit

October to March (Dry season cool mornings, clear skies, ideal for running). April to May (Small rains the coffee forests are lush and green, trail conditions still good). Avoid June to September (Heavy rains trails become slippery). Coffee harvest season runs from October to December .

Experiences

Activities

Daily trail runs of 10–15 kilometres, with optional walking breaks (no performance pressure) Running alongside a professional Ethiopian athlete a unique opportunity to learn from the best Coffee farm visits and traditional coffee ceremonies at local plantations Morning birdwatching the Rift Valley lakes are home to over 400 bird species Boat trips on Lake Ziway and Lake Hawassa for recovery after runs Soaking in Wondo Genet's hot springs for muscle recovery Visiting the Addis Ababa National Museum (home of Lucy) on arrival day

Getting There

International flights arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) . Ethiopian Airlines serves over 120 destinations worldwide. From Addis, your Monpays Tours guide and private 4x4 vehicle will accompany you throughout the 8-day circuit. All running starts and finishes at your accommodation, with vehicle support for water and refreshments

Location

Addis Ababa, Ziway, Hawassa, Yirgalem, Jimma

Region

Oromia

Available Tours

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