In the late afternoon, we climbed a scenic dirt road to the Dorze village in the Gamo highlands, a mountainous region about an hour’s drive from Arba Minch. They are a relatively small community, with estimates of around 15,000-30,000 people who are closely related to the Gamo tribe. Dorze are famous for their unique, tall, beehive-shaped houses made from bamboo and false banana leaves, and for their exceptional skill in cotton weaving. They have a tradition of building a temporary “honeymoon house” for newlyweds before they make a permanent one. Their houses are mobile and can be moved to new locations.
Their compounds are self-sufficient, with small gardens for crops like false banana, spices, and tobacco. They also cultivate larger areas for cereals, pulses, and horticultural crops. They are known for producing vibrant, traditional cotton textiles, including blankets called Gabby.
We made a deal with a local guide (400 ETB) for an entrance fee of 500 ETB and a photo fee of 400 ETB. A visit to Dorze village included exploring traditional bamboo houses and experiencing local culture through demonstrations of local dance. We learned about the importance of the false banana plant (Enseta) and saw how it’s used to make a staple food called “kocho”. At the end of our visit, we tasted local alcoholic drinks called “araki” or “tella” while interacting with the community.
