Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
These carved wooden sculptures are raised in honour of Konso warriors after their death
and not only depict the 'hero' but also his family, and the enemies and dangerous animals
he has killed. This collection is so important because most
waga
have been stolen for sale
in Addis Ababa, and erection of new
waga
is dying out due to the influence of missionar-
ies who oppose ancestor worship. You must pay at the tourist office (
Click here
)
.
Konso Cultural Centre
( 8.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-5.30pm Mon-Sat)
Though more a local resource centre than
tourist attraction, there's a pottery display (ask staff to unlock the rooms) and sometimes
special exhibitions. It's 500m before the roundabout.
CULTURAL BUILDING
Dokatu Market
( 10am-4pm Mon & Thu)
Perched on a ridge 2km west of town, this market proffers
grand views over the Rift Valley. For sale, you'll find women's traditional skirts, cassava,
cheka
(home-brewed sorghum beer) and
etan
(the incense used in coffee ceremonies).
MARKET
MARKET
Komaya Heart of Konso Cultural Handicraft Market
This beautiful hilltop spot is a developing project (it's supposed to open during the life-
time of this topic) to provide an income for local craftspeople. There's a weaving work-
shop and other craft demonstrations, a cafe and, of course, a shop. The turn-off is across
from the Dokatu Market, from where it's another 1km.
Sleeping & Eating
Konso's electricity is often offline and hotels only run the generators from 6pm to 10pm.
Strawberry Fields' solar cells, however, generally provide power 24/7.
Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge $
( 0468-840755;
www.permalodge.org
; campsites Birr60, s/d/tw without bathroom Bir-
r200/350/380; )
Very simple mud-and-straw-walled, grass-roofed huts are surrounded
by the lodge's permaculture garden, which supplies the limited selection of organic meals.
It's 'too hippy' for some and a serene heaven for others, some of whom stay for weeks to
study farming. What both camps can agree on is that, considering the rudimentary facilit-
ies and muddy walk to the huts, the prices make absolutely no sense. It's just over 1km
from the traffic towards Arba Minch.
LODGE
