Lekempti, also known as Nek'empte, is a region located
within the state
of Welega,
about 6 hours west by car from Addis Ababa. A
small group of coffee farmers from this region are
members of Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union. Elan
Organic Coffees has been working with Lekempti coffee
for the last two years and has been impressed with the
consistently wild cup. The beans are grown at an
altitude of approximately 1700-2200 meters and are naturally
processed to create a cup full of tea rose,
chocolates and soft berry. This coffee is used by many
to bring added
character to blends. Lekempti is the capit
al city of the
region and also the trading name for the specific
coffee. The bulk of Lekempti coffee comes from Ghimbi
and surrounding regions about 100km from Lekempti city.
Their harvest is from February to April.
More information on purchasing and sampling Lekempti
Coffee
Ethiopia
Lekempti
Travel to
Ethiopia in 2008
drive to Yirga Chefe and visit Cooperatives in the
region. Day 5 will include a few more coffee visits and
then drive to Zwai. Head towards Harer, an ancient
walled city situated in the arid eastern region of
Harerge. An early start to Bedeno for a Cooperative
visit, spending the evening camping
in the area. Back to Harer for an afternoon city tour and an optional visit
to a hyena feeding in the evening. Back to Addis Ababa
to visit the national coffee processing centre and
warehouse. A tour of the national coffee auction and a
farewell to the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union.
Depart Ethiopia on Day 11.