Central Ethiopia
A lake inside an extinct volcano, an island monastery and hot springs west of Addis Ababa.
Overview
Wenchi is an extinct volcano west of Addis Ababa, its rim rising to about 3,380 m. Inside the crater lies a lake, and on an island in the lake stands Cherkos, a small monastery reached by boat.
Around 4,000 people farm the crater’s slopes, and hot springs rise near the water. Local guides and horses wait at the community ecotourism office on the rim.
Highlights
Plan your visit
October to May
About three hours by road west of Addis Ababa, via Woliso.
On horseback or on foot into the crater, then by boat across the lake.
Gallery
Photos: Unsplash
Journeys
Length 01 day
Wenchi
Ride down into a volcanic crater, cross its lake by boat to an island monastery, and finish beside the hot springs.
Keep exploring
Central
Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.
Central
Crater lakes and lakeside lodges, a short drive south of Addis Ababa.
Central
Volcanic crater lakes an hour from Addis Ababa, and the Irreecha gathering at Lake Hora.
Plan with us
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.
