Benishangul-Gumuz Region

A Meeting of Peoples

The region is home to a rich mosaic of communities, among them the Berta, Gumuz, Shinasha, Mao and Komo. Each brings its own language, music and craft, from intricate beadwork to hypnotic drumming and dance. Travellers who arrive with curiosity and respect will find a cultural tapestry quite unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia.

Mangoes, Bamboo and Gold

Assosa, the regional capital, is famous for its sweet mangoes and its long history of artisanal gold panning. The surrounding hills hold some of the largest bamboo forests in East Africa, humming with birdsong and dappled light. Local markets brim with tropical fruit, honey and handwoven goods that reflect the abundance of this fertile land.

The Great River

The Abay carves its way through the region on its epic journey towards the Nile, and it is here that the vast Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam rises across the water. Beyond the engineering, the riverside landscapes shelter hippos, birds and quiet fishing villages. For the intrepid, this is a region of raw beauty and genuine discovery.