The Dorze region is a small strip of land high in the mountains above the Rift Valley near the town of Arba Minch. The air is cool and the land is lush and fertile – a stark contrast to the arid grasslands of the valley. The region climbs steadily uphill, along the length of the Rift Valley above the two lakes of the Nechisar National Park. The view over the cliffs of across the plains below is fantastic.
The Dorze consists of seven villages, each which forms its own small territory. The capital is the town of Chencha, which was at one point the regional capital of Gamu-Gofa. The weekly market held on Thursday is a lively event where the people from the surrounding villages flock together. People crowd into the large central square, goods are offered from every corner, and prices are haggled and bartered.
The traditional huts in Dorze are very neat and well-structured. The skeleton is made of long bamboo strips, creating a frame for the elegant oval shape, which measures up to six metres in height. The protective shell is made of grass and leaves of the Enset plant (‘False Banana’) that are skilfully woven on to the underlying structure like small shingles. A hut can usually house a family for their whole life, but not necessarily in the same place – should a repair be necessary to the foundation, the shell is simply lifted and placed in a new location. Usually, several huts are formed together in a small farm, which grows Enset and other crops.
The region is known for its fine, high-quality cotton weaving, from which shawls and Gabi (traditional throw or blanket) are made to keep warm during the cold nights. Although the Dorze live high in the cool mountain region, they still have the temperament and rhythm of the south in their blood. Their festivities are filled with joking, laughing and dancing around the fire. In contrast to the north of the country, the people here dance openly using their whole bodies.
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. Accommodation: The new Dorze Lodge is located directly on the rim of the Rift Valley and offers breathtaking views. Alternatively, lodgings are available in the local villages in a traditional property with several traditional huts available for tourists. Naturally, the standard is relatively low, but this is made up for by the authenticity of the location and the great family atmosphere. The food includes original Dorze dishes.
In addition, the nearby town of Arba Minch has several options for accommodation.
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