Dorze Lodge bamboo bungalows above the Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Dorze highlands · Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Sleep in a Dorze bamboo bungalow

Mountain views, weaving and coffee ceremonies on your doorstep. Rooms from $45 a night, breakfast included.

Rooms & rates
  • Breakfast included
  • Taxes & service included

Stay with us

Rooms from $45 a night

Handcrafted bungalows with private bathrooms and sweeping views. The price you see is the price you pay.

  • Breakfast included
  • 10% service & 15% VAT included
  • No online payment · reply within 24h
  • Built by Dorze craftsmen

Bungalow – View Point

Up to 445 m²Breakfast

Our signature bungalow, built from bamboo and thatch by Dorze craftsmen and perched for the best outlook on the lodge. Wake up to the Guge mountains and the Rift Valley haze from your own terrace.

1 guest
$50
2 guests
$60
3 guests
$75
4 guests
$90
From
$50/ night

Bungalow – Garden

Up to 335 m²Breakfast

A traditional Dorze-style bungalow set among the lodge gardens. Quieter and more sheltered, with the same craftsmanship, private bathroom and breakfast as our view bungalows.

1 guest
$50
2 guests
$60
3 guests
$75
4 guests
—
From
$50/ night

Budget Room

Up to 225 m²Breakfast

Simple, clean and full of local charm. Our budget room keeps the Dorze character and the breakfast, with a private bathroom, at the lowest rate on the hill.

1 guest
$45
2 guests
$50
3 guests
—
4 guests
—
From
$45/ night

Full rate card

Nightly room rates in US dollars by number of guests. Room prices include service charge, breakfast, and VAT.
Room1 guest2 guests3 guests4 guests
Bungalow – View Point$50$60$75$90
Bungalow – Garden$50$60$75—
Budget Room$45$50——

USD per room, per night. Room prices include service charge, breakfast, and VAT. No hidden extras: 10% service charge and 15% VAT are already in the price.

Welcome to Dorze Lodge

Nestled in the breathtaking Ethiopian highlands, Dorze Lodge offers a unique blend of traditional Ethiopian hospitality and modern luxury. Experience the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Southern Ethiopia.

Dorze Lodge restaurant with traditional Ethiopian decor

Traditional Ethiopian Dining

Authentic cuisine in a beautiful setting

Mountain view restaurant at Dorze Lodge

Panoramic Mountain Views

Breathtaking Ethiopian highland scenery

Immersive Journeys

Experiences

Discover transformative journeys that awaken your senses and create lasting memories

Guided Mountain Trekking
#1
🥾

Guided Mountain Trekking

Explore ancient trails through Ethiopian highlands with experienced local guides.

Traditional Weaving Association
#2
🧵

Traditional Weaving Association

Learn centuries-old Dorze weaving techniques from master craftspeople.

Authentic Coffee Ceremony
#3
☕

Authentic Coffee Ceremony

Experience the traditional Ethiopian coffee ritual from bean to cup.

Cultural Village Immersion
#4
🏘️

Cultural Village Immersion

Visit traditional Dorze villages and learn about unique bamboo architecture.

Visual Journey

Explore the beauty of Dorze Lodge through our curated visual collection

Dorze Lodge 1

Dorze Lodge View 1

Experience the beauty of Dorze Lodge

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Our Story & Community

Built by Community

Discover the journey of Tsehai Bogale—from water projects in the Omo Valley to creating Ethiopia's premier community-based tourism lodge with the Dorze people.

Tsehai Bogale, Founder of Dorze Lodge
Since 2007
Building Dreams
Jinka → Arba Minch → Dorze

Tsehai Bogale

Founder & General Manager

Born 1970 • Omo Valley Expert • Fluent in Local Languages

"

Born in Jinka (1970) and raised in Arba Minch, Tsehai was drawn to the Dorze community from a young age. His early career in water projects and coffee transport gave him a deep understanding of the region. A chance encounter with stranded tourists planted the seed for his journey in tourism and community-led hospitality.

Early Journey:

Irish NGO Water ProjectsCoffee TransporterOmo Valley Guide
15K+
Guests Hosted
19
Years Since Founding
40+
Local Team Members
12+
Community Projects
G
Getu • Site Manager

Dorze Community • Since 2011

Born in 1993 in the local Dorze community, Getu learned English in school and sold handicrafts to visitors. Tsehai recognized his potential and offered him a job in 2011. His loyalty, intelligence, and hard work earned him the site manager position—proof of our commitment to community-based tourism.

"From six huts to a home for thousands—built by and for our community."

The Dorze Lodge Journey

Our Guiding Principles

Every guest should experience the authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Hospitality is not a service, it's sharing our home and heart

True development must benefit the local community first and foremost

We build with respect for the land and traditions that sustain us

Community-Based Tourism

85% of our team comes directly from the Dorze community

Historical Milestone
The Dream & Foundation (2007)

Having known the land for years, Tsehai's dream of building a lodge on the cliff began to take shape. Construction started in 2007, funded entirely by his touring services. Every birr earned was reinvested into bringing his vision to life.

"
"
A Message from Tsehai

Our mission is to protect and celebrate the unique culture of the Dorze people while creating meaningful connections between travelers and our community. Every stay here supports our schools, artisans, and the preservation of traditions that make this place special.

Tsehai Bogale • Founder & General Manager • Dorze Lodge
Cultural Immersion

Experience Dorze Culture

Renowned for their distinctive woven cotton cloth, bamboo houses, and vibrant traditions. Immerse yourself in this unique living heritage at Dorze Lodge.

Dorze weaving workshop with traditional loom
Traditional Craft

Weaving Workshops

Learn authentic Dorze weaving techniques from master craftspeople using traditional looms passed down through generations.

Learn more
Traditional Dorze bamboo house
Sustainable Living

Bamboo Architecture

Discover the unique bamboo construction techniques that make Dorze homes architectural marvels of sustainable design.

Learn more
Dorze traditional music performance
Cultural Expression

Music & Dance

Experience authentic Dorze music and dance performances that tell stories of community, history, and daily life.

Learn more
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