Things to Do in Jimma

Large open-air market selling coffee, spices, textiles and livestock. Bustling, authentic and good for people-watching.

🕐 Daily 7:00–18:00

💡 Go early (before 9am) to see the coffee roasting and avoid the midday heat.

Guided walk through remnant forest patches south of town, where wild coffee plants grow. Learn about traditional coffee cultivation and processing.

🕐 By arrangement, daylight hours

💡 Arrange a guide through the Jimma Coffee Research Centre; they charge a small fee but the walk itself is free.

Public park with lawns, shaded benches, a small pond and a playground. Popular with local families and students.

🕐 Daily 6:00–18:00

💡 Buy a bag of roasted maize from the vendors at the gate; it's the local snack here.

Former residence of King Aba Jifar II, built in the early 20th century. Restored structure with local architectural details, set in a grove of trees.

🕐 Sat–Thu 9:00–17:00

💡 Entry is free but bring a small donation for the caretaker; he'll unlock the main rooms.

Small museum on the university campus with exhibits on Oromo culture, history and local archaeology. Holds artefacts from the former Kingdom of Jimma.

🕐 Sun–Thu 9:00–16:00

💡 Ask at the administration office for a guide; they can unlock the main hall if it's closed.