This is one of the few Southern Nations’ villages that has succeeded in turning the influx of tourists into a positive experience for all concerned. You can see the traditional way of life with few hassles from begging kids and no need to pay for photos. Guides are mandatory and can be found at the newly organised Besa Gamo Chencha Local Guide Association near the office, though most people hire a guide (same price) from Mekonen Lodge further up the hill.
The standard short tour usually kicks off with a look inside one of the famed Dorze huts, followed by visits to the weaving cooperative (women spin the thread and men work the looms) and pottery workshop. You’ll probably also get to bake and eat kocho, a delicious, fermented, unleavened bread made from enset . It’s eaten with honey or data (a delicious hot sauce). With more time you can see and do pretty much anything else, like visiting coffee plantations, fruit farms and local hooch stills. A dance demonstration can also be arranged.
Colourful markets can be found at Hayzo on Monday and Thursday and at Chencha , 8km further up the road, on Tuesday and Saturday. The Monday and Saturday markets are the biggest.
The Guge Mountains are also trekking territory. A 30m-tall waterfall is just an hour’s walk away and others are further afield. A longer option is the five-day trip up Mt Guge (4200m) and then down to Arba Minch. A guide for overnight trips is Birr300 a day and Mekonen Lodge charges Birr300 per day for tent and sleeping bag hire. Pack horses are also available.
