one of the first tribes you may visit on an Omo Valley photo tour
A drive up a mountain not far from Arba Minch you will find the talented weavers of the Dorze tribe, one of the many unique tribes of Ethiopia. Their distinct, tall beehive style huts are seen along with their woven bamboo fencing as you drive up the windy mountain road from Arba Minch.
If you want to reduce some long days of driving when visiting the Omo Valley then flying to Arbaminch or Jinka for an Omo Valley tour is a good option. It’s only one days drive from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa, but it is relatively cheap and a short flight so some people prefer this option. If you have less time or want to start closer to the Omo Valley tribes then flying to Jinka is the best option. Jinka is very close to a few of the tribes including the Mursi tribe and arriving or leaving by plane from the little Jinka airport can significantly reduce your driving days.
If you can get a window seat on the plane from Addis to Arba Minch there are some nice views from the short flight.
Flights are frequent from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. Arba Minch is a popular gateway to the South Omo areas.
How to get to the Omo Valley tribes
Omo Valley photography tours can start in many locations. Most start in Addis Ababa ( the largest city and capital of Ethiopia), Arba Minch, Jinka or Jimma. It would depend who you book through, your budget and how much time you have. Another important consideration is what you want to experience and what unique tribes and landscapes of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley you want to include in your itinerary.
If you have flown to Arba Minch to start an Omo Valley tour then the Dorze people may be one of your first Ethiopian tribes you will visit after you are collected from Arba Minch airport. They live in the Guge Hills and you drive a 37km steep and windy drive north of Arba Minch which is in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region.
Dancing and singing in a Dorze tribal village can be a great first day on your Omo Valley tour and an introduction to the tribes of Ethiopia.
They are very welcoming and when you visit one of their villages it gives you an insight into some of their traditions. culture and lifestyle. They also love to share a shot (of two) of their homemade alcohol - so watch out for that lol!
Get ready to have a shot! LOTS of alcohol in this local recipe!
In the Dorze village you learn about how they prepare and cook false banana pulp into a flat style bread which they call Kocho.
Dorze tribe village dwellings
The Dorze tribe live in distinctive tall bee-hive shaped huts. They are built tall and generally last a married couple a lifetime. As the base rots or gets infested with termites they lift up the structure, cutting the bottom section each time and then relocate it.
One of the most distinctive dwellings of all African tribes. When you look at some of the Dorze tribe dwellings you can often see the shape of an elephants head.
The huts get shorter each time they are moved, which is why they are initially built up to 6m tall. They are surprisingly roomy inside and families share this space with their cattle that keep their homes warm. Everything in the villages of the tribes in Ethiopia is used with purpose and often multiple purposes. They are creative in using all resources available to the best of their ability.
the local Chencha market
The Chencha market is for the locals to socialise and buy products and services. Full of vibrant color and with so much happening it is worthwhile when visiting to take a break and have a coffee to take it all in.
The vibrant and busy market in the small town of Chencha, Ethiopia that is at an altitude of more than 2,700m and 37km north of Arbaminch.
Most of the Dorze tribe live at an altitude of above 2300metres. With a misty, cold and moist year-round climate it is ideal for growing their crops. They grow enset which is more commonly known as false banana as well as tobacco and fruits. Their local market is full of fresh produce as well as clothes with local shops within the same and surrounding area.
This Ethiopian eco-lodge has an incredible view, comfortable accommodation and is run by the local Dorze people. Whilst the road can become inaccessible after rains if you can get there it is worth the stop. They have a few accomodation room types, but these traditional style rooms include an ensuite and are actually quite roomy inside. If you can get one of the rooms with a view to the left of the restaurant you wont be disappointed with the view. Basic comfort, but always great to support local and eco-friendly accomodation.
where to stay at the gateway of the Omo Valley
It is spectacular waking up here and watching the sun rise over the mountains and lakes below.
The sunrise reflections on the Rift Valley lakes Chamo and Abaya below the lodge are definitely worth waking up early for!
My phone balancing on the balcony to record a time-lapse of the sunrise of this stunning landscape in Ethiopia.
If you prefer more comfort and luxury in your accomodation choice then one of the resorts in Arba Minch may be more suitable for you. I love the Dorze Eco-Lodge, but there are many accomodation options in Arba Minch like the Paradise Lodge (photos below). The more recently built Haile Resort Arba Minch is another option.
Please view my highlight video of the Chencha market, Dorze tribe village and stunning rustic eco-lodge by clicking on the image below.
Whilst many tourists choose to fly in and out of Jinka now that the flights have resumed, there’s definitely more to explore than the Omo Valley tribes further South. If you are interested on a boat tour on Lake Chamo you can also see hippos and crocodiles so you can get some wonderful wildlife experiences around Arba Minch.