Our History
A story of community, passion, and perseverance in the heart of Ethiopia
Tsehai Bogale
Founder & General Manager
From Dream to Reality
When owner Tsehai Bogale (born in 1970 in Jinka and raised in Arba Minch) was a youngster he visited the Dorze community many times. He kept coming back, made good friends, contributions and became one of them.
He knew about the existence of the land for a long time and always dreamed of making a lodge on top of the cliff. This was an excellent way to help the local community and bring travelers in contact with the great traditions of the Dorze community.
Tsehai at the beginning of his career worked for an Irish NGO on several water projects in the Omo valley and around Arba Minch. After this he was a transporter for coffee from the other side of the lakes.
By coincidence he met tourists who were stuck in Nechi Sar Park. This planted the first seed to start in tourism. Tsehai has travelled many times with guests to Omo valley. This is a great experience as Tsehai has great knowledge of their culture. He also speaks fluently their language, what makes visit with him an unforgettable experience.
Our Journey Timeline
Tsehai Bogale is Born
Born in Jinka and raised in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
Community Connection Begins
Tsehai starts visiting Dorze community regularly, building lasting friendships
First Tourism Experience
Helps stranded tourists in Nechi Sar National Park, discovering passion for tourism
Construction Begins
Dorze Lodge construction starts using earnings from touring services
First Guests Arrive
Dorze Lodge opens with 6 traditional huts
Getu Joins the Team
Local Dorze community member Getu starts working, eventually becoming site manager
Restaurant Fire
Major fire damages the restaurant, requiring extensive rebuilding
Major Renovation
Complete renovation and expansion with support from local community
Today
A thriving community-based tourism lodge welcoming guests from around the world
Tsehai Bogale is Born
Born in Jinka and raised in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
Community Connection Begins
Tsehai starts visiting Dorze community regularly, building lasting friendships
First Tourism Experience
Helps stranded tourists in Nechi Sar National Park, discovering passion for tourism
Construction Begins
Dorze Lodge construction starts using earnings from touring services
First Guests Arrive
Dorze Lodge opens with 6 traditional huts
Getu Joins the Team
Local Dorze community member Getu starts working, eventually becoming site manager
Restaurant Fire
Major fire damages the restaurant, requiring extensive rebuilding
Major Renovation
Complete renovation and expansion with support from local community
Today
A thriving community-based tourism lodge welcoming guests from around the world
Our Leadership Team
Tsehai Bogale
Founder & General Manager
Born in Jinka and raised in Arba Minch, Tsehai has deep connections with the Dorze community. His extensive experience in water projects, coffee transportation, and tourism has shaped Dorze Lodge into a true community-based initiative.
Building Dorze Lodge
The Construction Story
The construction on Dorze Lodge started in 2007. There were very limited resources available. All the money that Tsehai earned with providing touring services was spent for the lodge. And step by step Dorze Lodge was being built.
The first tourists arrived in 2010. At this time, there were only 6 traditional huts available. The beautiful spot on the cliff was kept free for the future when possibly more funds would available.
After some time, we built one traditional family hut on the cliff with the beautiful view.
In end of 2012 the restaurant was struck by a big fire and it was burned almost completely. It was very hard to recover from this. With limited resources the building was renovated.
In 2016, there came some funds available to renovate the lodge and build new huts. In October 2016, the rebuilding started. Many people (mostly local) worked so hard to establish what you see now.
You cannot believe how much effort was put into that by mostly the local community.
Construction Gallery
Truly Community-Based Tourism
Dorze Lodge is more than just a place to stay - it's a community initiative that supports local livelihoods and preserves cultural heritage.
Local Employment
Over 90% of our staff are from the local Dorze community
Cultural Preservation
Supporting traditional crafts, music, and architecture
Sustainable Tourism
Eco-friendly practices that respect the environment