Wenchi Crater Lake and Ecosystem Day Trip
Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Individual or In Groups of 10+ People
Est 12Hrs
Starting from:
$162 - $403
Itinerary Overview
Wenchi, an extinct volcano, is 3,386 m high. The Afroalpine moorland on its upper slopes, dotted with relict patches of natural forest, is accessible via a four-wheel drive road connecting the towns of Ambo and Woliso. The densely built-up caldera encloses a large and beautiful crater lake and the island monastery of Wenchi Chirkos, founded in the 13th century by Tekle Haymanot, an Ethiopian saint recognized in foreign churches, including Egypt. In addition to the boat trip to the monastery, hikes and pony rides are offered, from the 4 km Fincha Trail to the 16 km Bagoba-Abagalalcha Trail, which follows the lakeshore before reaching the hot springs and waterfall of Dawala. Just 10 km to the east lies Lake Dendi, nestled between two nearly circular, 2 km wide craters connected by a gap just 100 m wide in their shared rim.

Wenchi is located 148 kilometers west of Addis Ababa.
Gallery
Tour Plan
Pickup: 7:00 A.M.
  • Our tour guides will pick you up from your hotel or guesthouse. Since there are two routes to the destination, the route will be selected based on the fastest estimated arrival time on our GPS.
Arrival:
  • Upon arrival at your destination, you will be warmly welcomed by local guides from the Wenchi Ecotourism Association and begin the 4 km hike, tailored to your interests. You can choose to go horseback riding or hike to the lake. Enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings with rushing streams and visit the surrounding livestock-farming villages.
  • After reaching the lake, formed by an extinct volcano, you'll take a short boat ride and visit a very ancient monastery near the lake.
  • Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian restaurant offers a rich culinary experience, where you can explore the flavors, textures, and vibrant culture of Ethiopian cuisine.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Ethiopian cuisine is known for its excellent vegetarian and vegan options, often due to the influence of fasting traditions in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
  • Traditional Ethiopian Coffee (Bunna).
  • After lunch, continue exploring the surrounding area, including a dip in a hot spring and waterfall.
Return:
  • Depart Wenchi area to return to Addis Ababa.
  • Arrive back around 4:00 p.m. and transfer to your hotel or guesthouse.
What's Included:
Pickup and drop-off
Private transportation (fuel included)
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Lunch, hot drinks, the honey wine(tej), and bottled water
Not Included
Alchoholic Drinks Not Listed On The Package
Tips and Gratitude
Optional Detours (Not Included in the Package)
Dinner at a traditional restaurant with optional vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Traditional beverages, including the very famous Ethiopian honey wine (Tej) and the traditional hard liquor
Traditional coffee, beers, bottled waters (sparkling and still) and soft drinks.
Visit traditional nightclubs with cultural folk dances and performances.
Nightclubs with the most iconic DJs, both local and international.
Live bands, jazz, and reggae performances.
Customers Reviews

4.8

(99+ Ratings)

9.5/10

Locations

9.5/10

Amenities

8/10

Meals

8/10

Prices

8.5/10

Services

FAQs
Activities include hiking or horseback riding to the lake, a boat ride on the lake, visiting the ancient monastery, exploring hot springs and waterfalls, and enjoying the natural scenery.
The hike is moderate and takes about one hour descending from the crater rim to the lake. Horseback rides are available for those who prefer not to hike.
The area is rich in biodiversity, including indigenous trees like Egynia Abyssinica and Erica Arborea, various bird species, and animals adapted to the volcanic ecosystem.
The tour provides opportunities to learn about Ethiopian history and culture through museum visits, traditional meals, and optional cultural performances...
Pricing
Wenchi Crater Lake & Ecosystem Tour
Number of People
Price per Person
Individual:
$403
Group of 2:
$302
Group of 3:
$256
Group of 4-9:
$215
Group of 10+:
$162
(Discounted Prices From 25% up-to 60% For Groups) Book Now
Tour Infomation
Download Travel Itinerary