Highland Culture · Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Dorze & Chencha
High above Arba Minch, the Dorze people are famous for their towering houses of bamboo and ensete leaves and for weaving some of Ethiopia’s finest cotton.
- Best Time
- Year-round
- Suggested Stay
- Half day
- Altitude
- 2,600 to 2,900 m
- Region
- Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Why We Go
Beehive-shaped bamboo houses and master weavers in the Guge highlands.
The Dorze live in the cool Guge mountains, where their distinctive beehive-shaped houses can last for generations. Families farm ensete (false banana) and are renowned as weavers of the cotton shamma worn throughout Ethiopia.
A visit includes a family home, a weaving demonstration and a taste of local food and drink, with spectacular views over the Rift Valley lakes on the drive up from Arba Minch.
Highlights
- Traditional Dorze houses up to 12 metres tall
- Weavers at work on handlooms
- Tasting kocho bread made from false banana
- Views over Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo
Journeys Including Dorze & Chencha
Routes that pass through here
More in Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Plan This Destination
Build Dorze & Chencha into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and our team will plan the route, including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
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Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our guides travel these routes all year. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or the best time to visit. You will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +251 912 039405