Where Guji Is

Guji is one of the zones of the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. It is named after a tribe of the Oromo people.

Guji is bordered on the south by Borena, on the west by the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region, on the north by the Ganale Dorya River, which separates it from Bale, and on the east by the Somali Region. The highest point in the zone is Mount Dara Tiniro, and its administrative center is Negele Borana.

The Guji Zone was created in 2002, when the upland woredas of the Borena Zone were split apart to create it. Before that year, Guji territory was part of the Borena zone. Guji also shares a border with the SNNP Region, which includes the Gedeo Zone (where Yirgacheffe is located) and the Sidama Zone.

Geographic details adapted from Wikipedia.

A Rising Name in Specialty Coffee

“Guji coffee has been receiving a lot of attention from the specialty coffee world.”

Many privately owned washing stations have sprung up recently in an area that has traditionally processed coffee using the natural (dry) method. The quality of these washed coffees can be outstanding, which isn’t surprising considering the area’s close proximity to Yirgacheffe.

“Close” is relative when it comes to travel in Ethiopia, where 100 km can mean a 10-hour drive, but the variety of terrain and culture in that short distance is incredible.

The Guji Cup: A Huge Diversity of Profiles

Despite being near Yirgacheffe as the crow flies, we have seen a huge diversity of coffee profiles from Guji.

Washed Guji

Washed lots range from the sweet lemon candy and floral tea you might expect from the area to heavy green melon, peach, and rose flavors.

Natural Guji

The natural coffees from Guji can also be spectacular when cared for well, bringing:

• Syrupy fruit
• Marmalade
• Rosé wine
• Perfumed aromatics