Authentic Sidama: Coffee, Culture and the Songo Experience

The Songo ( Sidama Elders Council) is a traditional conflict resolution and reconcilation gathering.

Discover the cultural heart of Ethiopia through an unforgettable journey into the Sidama Region – a land of ancient traditions, lush highlands, sacred forests, and the origins of one of the world’s finest coffees.

As Ethiopia’s newest regional state, Sidama offers a fresh, authentic travel experience for the modern explorer – rich in ancestral wisdom,untouched landscapes, and immersive encounters with local communities.
This curated itinerary by Source Ethiopia Tours blends scenic travel, cultural insight, and hands-on experiences, making it perfect for experience-seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and conscious travelers looking to connect deeply with Ethiopia’s unique identity – the “Spirit of Originality.”

Authentic Sidama: Coffee, Culture & the Songo Experience
6-Days Immersive Cultural Journey in Sidama Region of Southern Ethiopia
Presented by Source Ethiopia Tours
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Ziway ( Batu)  – Hawassa
Your journey begins with a scenic drive south from Addis Ababa through Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley. En route, stop at Lake Ziway, a haven for birdwatchers where species such as the African Fish Eagle, Wattled Ibis, and Marabou Stork can be spotted. Arrive in the lakeside city of Hawassa and settle in at your resort.
Overnight: Haile Resort, Hawassa


Day 2: Hawassa – Bensa Daye
Start the day with a visit to Hawassa’s lively fish market, where locals gather to trade, cook, and enjoy freshly caught fish. Explore Gudumale Park, home to monkeys, aquatic birds, and hyenas. Later, travel through stunning highland scenery to Bensa Daye, the gateway to Sidama’s rural culture. 

Overnight: Logita Lodge / Abenezer Pension, Bensa Daye


Day 3: Garamba Mountain & Ayanto Traditions
Travel to Garamba Mountain in Arbegona via the town of Yaye. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, hike through serene bamboo forests to a summit used by Ayanto elders for traditional star-gazing rituals. At the mountain’s base,visit Shaka houses – traditional Sidama homes – and enjoy a taste of local cuisine made from the false banana plant.
Overnight: Logita Lodge / Abenezer Pension, Bensa Daye


Day 4: Sacred Forests & Songo Ceremony
Drive through the scenic Agena Mountains and charming villages to Burra District, where you'll experience the Songo, Sidama’s ancient conflict resolution practice. In the Qawa Qiqe sacred forest, witness local elders as they mediate and reconcile disputes in a traditional communal gathering. Enjoy a ceremonial coffee session and savor regional dishes. Visit the spectacular Bonora Waterfall before continuing to Yirgalem.
Overnight: Aregash Lodge, Yirgalem


Day 5: Anafa Cultural Village & Historical Reflections
Walk through lush coffee farms to the Anafa cultural village, where you’ll participate in traditional food preparation using the false banana plant and take part in a full Sidama coffee ceremony. In the afternoon, visit nearby caves where Ethiopian patriots took refuge during the Italian occupation (1936–1941), and watch for hyenas emerging at dusk.
Overnight: Aregash Lodge, Yirgalem


Day 6: Return to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, drive to Hawassa Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa, bringing with you memories of cultural richness, nature’s serenity, and warm Sidama hospitality.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa (Optional)