Dorze is a picturesque community scattered across the lush green hills of the Southern Rift Valley, where tropical and highland fruits grow in abundance. Visitors to the unique hillside villages can enjoy stunning views of the sparkling Abaya and Chamo Lakes and Nechisar National Park beyond. The villagers live in family compounds, filled with leafy plants, domestic animals and tall, handcrafted houses – made entirely of bamboo! 

Visitors to Dorze not only experience display of local culture but also have an opportunity to discover traditional skills and meet the welcoming residents of this highland community. Adventurous tourists will be able to try their hand at creating traditional crafts, brewing local beer and even building a part of their own miniature bamboo house!

This unique opportunity to interact with local families and artisans gives visitors to Dorze the chance to learn new skills and create warm memories of Ethiopia and its people that will last a lifetime.

Visitors to Dorze can chose from three products:

Handcraft Hike: Weaving their way through the Dorze village, visitors will learn how to create traditional handcrafts like pottery, leather making and weaving. Read more…

Handcraft Hike with Highland-Fruit Extension: Visitors that have more time can extend their stay in Dorze to visit highland fruit farmers and learn how to grow and harvest tasty treats like apples, plums and pears. Read more…

Mid-Land Fruit Hike: Nestled in the lower hills of Dorze, the Tegetcha community offers visitors tours of their family compounds where they grow mangos, papayas, avocados and more! Read more… 

Tours in the community are offered by the Dorze Cultural Hike Association that directly benefits 22 families. Additionally, a percentage of profits are channeled into a community development and conservation fund that benefits approximately 5,700 people in the greater Dorze area.