High in the lush Gamo Highlands of southern Ethiopia, overlooking the sparkling Rift Valley lakes and the bustling town of Arba Minch, lives the Dorze people, an ethnic group whose traditions are as captivating as the landscapes they inhabit. A visit to a Dorze village is like stepping into a living museum of culture, architecture, and craftsmanship that has been preserved for generations.

Beehive-Shaped Homes in the Highlands

The first thing that strikes travelers upon arrival is the Dorze’s iconic architecture. Their towering, beehive-shaped huts—some rising up to 12 meters tall—are constructed from bamboo, wood, and natural fibers. Ingeniously designed, these huts can last for decades, even up to 80 years, if properly maintained. As the base gradually weathers away, the top can be lowered, giving the homes a fascinating ability to “shrink” with age. Entering one feels both cozy and monumental, a beautiful symbol of the Dorze’s harmony with their environment.

Masters of the Loom

The Dorze are also renowned for their exceptional weaving skills. Generations of artisans have perfected the art of turning cotton into shammas, scarves, and blankets of remarkable quality. Their textiles, often vibrantly patterned, are highly sought after throughout Ethiopia and beyond. Watching a Dorze weaver at work is a mesmerizing experience: the rhythmic motion of the loom, the transformation of cotton threads into colorful fabric, and the pride in creating something both functional and artistic.

A Taste of Tradition: Kotcho Bread

Agriculture is central to Dorze life, and perhaps their most unique contribution to Ethiopian cuisine is kotcho, a traditional bread made from the enset plant, also called “false banana.” Unlike the common banana, enset isn’t eaten raw; instead, its trunk and roots are fermented and processed into a starchy dough. When baked, it becomes kotcho—a hearty, filling bread often served with fresh honey, vegetables, or spicy stews. Sharing kotcho with a Dorze family is more than a meal; it’s a window into their deep-rooted traditions of hospitality and resourcefulness.

A Journey Worth Taking

A trip to the Dorze villages is more than sightseeing—it’s an immersion into Ethiopia’s cultural mosaic. From walking through the highlands with breathtaking views of lakes Abaya and Chamo, to sitting inside a bamboo hut and savoring kotcho by the fire, every moment with the Dorze reveals resilience, creativity, and warmth.

For travelers exploring southern Ethiopia, especially around Arba Minch, a visit to the Dorze people is an unforgettable highlight. Their artistry, architecture, and way of life embody the spirit of Ethiopia: timeless, vibrant, and deeply connected to the land.