Hiking Wenchi Crater Lake- day trip

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.