3-Day Jimma Zone & Chebera Churchura National Park Adventure Tour

• 3 Days/2 Nights

Overview

Jimma, located in the southwestern part of the Oromia Region, is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Jimma, one of the five Gibe Kingdoms, which were powerful states in the region during the 19th century. Some of the key attractions in Jimma include:

-Jimma Palace (King Abba Jifar’s Palace): This historical palace was the residence of King Abba Jifar II, one of the most powerful rulers of the Kingdom of Jimma. The palace is built in traditional Ethiopian architectural style and offers insights into the history and culture of the region.

-Jimma Museum: The museum houses a collection of artifacts, traditional tools, and historical documents related to the Gibe Kingdoms and the Oromo people. It provides a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of the Jimma region.

-Goma Forest: Located near Jimma, Goma Forest is a lush and biodiverse area known for its coffee plantations. The region is considered the birthplace of Arabica coffee, and visitors can explore coffee farms, learn about traditional coffee cultivation methods, and enjoy fresh Ethiopian coffee.

Located in the southwestern part of Ethiopia, Chebera Churchura National Park is known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. The park is a prime location for spotting elephants, which are found in large numbers here. It also hosts other wildlife such as buffalo, lions, leopards, and several species of antelope. The park is dotted with several rivers and waterfalls, adding to its scenic beauty. It is also home to various bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers.

Highlights: Discover the historical legacy of Jimma’s kingdom at Aba Jifar Palace, immerse yourself in the birthplace of coffee with a farm tour, and embark on a thrilling safari in Chebera Churchura National Park, a critical sanctuary for African elephants.

Itinerary

Day 1: Jimma City’s Heritage & Coffee Culture
⦁ Morning: Begin your exploration of Jimma City.
⦁ Visit the historical Jimma Aba Jifar Palace, the former residence of King Abba Jifar, offering insights into the

Oromo kingdom.
⦁ Explore the bustling Jimma Market, a vibrant hub of local trade and culture.
⦁ Visit the Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (JUCAVM) if interested in agricultural research, or drive through parts of the city to get a feel for local life.
⦁ Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s famous coffee culture with a coffee farm tour. You’ll visit a local coffee plantation near Jimma, learn about the cultivation process from bean to cup, and enjoy a traditional Ethiopian

Coffee ceremony.
⦁ Evening: Dinner and overnight in Jimma.

Day 2: Journey to & Exploration of Chebera Churchura National Park
⦁ Morning (Early Start – approx. 4-6 hours drive): After an early breakfast, embark on a significant journey southwest from Jimma towards Chebera Churchura National Park. The drive will take you through scenic

landscapes and local villages.
⦁ Lunch: Have a packed lunch or a simple meal upon arrival near the park entrance.
⦁ Afternoon: Enter Chebera Churchura National Park. This park is renowned for its significant population of African elephants, making it a unique destination.
⦁ Engage in a game drive or guided walk (depending on park regulations and your preference) to search for elephants, buffalo, various antelopes (like kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck), and potentially even lions (though rare and elusive). The park’s diverse habitats, including dense forest, savanna, and wetlands, support a wide array of wildlife.
⦁ Evening: Dinner and overnight at a community lodge or basic guesthouse near Chebera Churchura National Park (e.g., in the town of Chewaka or similar, depending on availability).

Day 3: Chebera Churchura & Return to Jimma for Departure
⦁ Morning: Enjoy another opportunity for wildlife viewing within Chebera Churchura National Park. You might opt for a morning game drive or a guided forest walk to spot more species and enjoy the park’s tranquility.
⦁ Late Morning (approx. 4-6 hours drive): Begin your drive back to Jimma.
⦁ Afternoon: Arrive in Jimma. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a brief rest.
⦁ Evening: Transfer to Jimma Airport for your onward flight, concluding your tour.

Total Cost: $760 pp

Inclusions
The tour price of $760 per person generally includes the following:
🚐 Transport & Transfers
⦁ All ground transportation is in a private, well-maintained vehicle with an experienced driver
⦁ Airport transfers to/from Jimma Airport
⦁ Round-trip road transfer between Jimma and Chebera Churchura National Park (approx. 4–6 hours each way)
🧭 Guided Services & Park Entry
⦁ English-speaking professional local guide throughout the trip
⦁ Park entrance fees to Chebera Churchura National Park
⦁ Scout or park ranger fees for guided walks or game drives in the park
⦁ Guided city tour of Jimma and its cultural/historical sites
⦁ Guided visit to a traditional coffee farm and Ethiopian coffee ceremony
🏨 Accommodation (2 nights)
⦁ 1 night in a mid-range hotel in Jimma (private room, en suite bathroom)
⦁ 1 night in a community lodge or basic guesthouse near Chebera Churchura National Park (e.g., Chewaka area, subject to availability)
🍽️ Meals
⦁ All meals are as follows:
⦁ Day 1: Lunch and dinner
⦁ Day 2: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner
⦁ Day 3: Breakfast and lunch
⦁ Bottled drinking water is provided during drives and excursions
🧾 Tour Administration & Logistics
⦁ All necessary permits and coordination for park visits
⦁ Taxes, government levies, and service charges
⦁ On-tour support and coordination by the local tour operator

❌ Exclusions
The following items are not included in the $760 per person price:
✈️ Flights
⦁ Domestic flight to/from Jimma (can be booked separately or added upon request)
⦁ International flights to/from Ethiopia
🛌 Accommodation Upgrades
⦁ Single room supplement (available upon request)
⦁ Higher-end lodge/hotel upgrade in Jimma or near the park (optional)
🧳 Personal Expenses
⦁ Travel insurance (required for all participants)
⦁ Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and personal snacks
⦁ Laundry, phone, or internet services
💵 Tips & Extras
⦁ Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (customary but voluntary)
⦁ Optional donations at community sites or churches
⦁ Souvenirs and any purchases made during the tour
🐘 Optional Activities
⦁ Extra safari/game drive or special guided treks inside the park (if requested)
⦁ Visits to additional cultural or research institutions (e.g., Jimma University) not scheduled in the base itinerary