Jimma is a city in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, in East Africa. It is known as a historic centre of coffee trade, and that heritage shapes much of what a visitor will find there today. The city is also sometimes written as Jima.
What to expect
- Coffee culture. Coffee is central to daily life in Jimma, and a visit is a natural way to sit down with a cup and watch the rhythm of the city.
- Markets. The city's markets are a good place to see local trade in action and to meet the people who keep it going.
- Traditional architecture. Parts of the city show the building styles of its past, which give walks through its streets a sense of its history.
Planning a visit
Jimma suits travellers interested in the everyday life of an Ethiopian city rather than a single landmark to tick off. Plan for slow walks, time at the markets and a few unhurried coffee stops. Because the city is a trading centre, the best way to get a feel for it is to spend a little time among its people rather than rushing from place to place.
Jimma is a useful stop for anyone exploring the coffee story of Ethiopia, or simply wanting to see a city shaped by trade and tradition.