Wenchi Crater Lake is 155 km west of Addis Ababa, between Ambo and Weliso. An extinct volcano, the top of which is 3380 meters above sea level, is a crater that contains a large lake, hot mineral springs, waterfalls, beautiful valleys and farmland. There is an old monastery with a church situated on one of the lake islands.
Drive to Wenchi Crater Lake
early morning drive to wenchi 155 km west of Addis Ababa, between Ambo and Weliso.After a couple of hours on the paved way from Addis to Ambo, the route follows a dirt road which climbs quickly into the rural Ethiopian highlands.
The surrounding slopes en route are steep and terraced in sections, with the occasional young shepherd waving to the passing 4X4. Although a beautiful ride. The lake lies at around 3380 m above sea level in the crater of an extinct volcano in the Oromia region. After paying entrance and parking fees and purchasing the obligatory guide at the Wenchi Eco Tourism Association office, drive uphill for a kilometer to reach the departure point. You have the option of hiking the 4 km to the lake shore on your own or descending on horseback.
The downhill trek is full of varied greens on the hillsides and the lake’s surface. While the views of Wenchi Crater Lake on the descent were dramatic, the highlight of the trip is viewing the sides of the crater — now lush instead of volcanic — from water level. As the population around the lake is no greater than 4,000, a few hundred meters offshore means a quiet environment (thus the location of the monastery).
The hike back to the parking area can be strenuous, but horses are available if you’ve had enough walking. Thankfully, every difficult hill is rewarded by a look back onto the stunning lake and all that surrounds it.
Late afternoon drive back to Addis Ababa.
This trip can be tailor made at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary.
Date and Availability = All the year This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted according to your time, budget and interest. Price: , if you want quotation or any other tour information about this trip we are very happy to help. Request a quote
suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted
trip information
Plan your trip
Getting around Ethiopia: -Because of the state of the roads, the distances involved and the quality of the alternative (flying) most short term visitors use internal flights in Ethiopia. There are reliable daily flights between most of the stops on the Northern Circuit (Addis, Gondar, Lalibella, Axum, Bahir Dar).
If you have more time, or delight in the joys of overland travel, we can provide you vehicles (4WD, minibus and coaster bus )
When is best :-The Ethiopian Tourist Board proudly promotes their slogan “13 months of sunshine” to anyone who will listen, but they are not far off the mark. Although this tour is available year round the rainy season in the North is in July and August, but whilst that might stop you attempting a multi-day trek in the Bale Mountains, it won’t really affect you if you are planning on touring the Northern Historical route. The Bale Mountains can be very wet from April to June (the peak rainy season).
