Nature journeys
Ride down into a volcanic crater, cross its lake by boat to an island monastery, and finish beside the hot springs.
Paused while the route west of Addis Ababa is under official travel warnings. We will reopen it when it is safe.
Length 01 day
Bishoftu
An hour from Addis, volcanic craters filled with still water, and Lake Hora, where Oromo people gather each October for Irreecha.
Departs 11 Nov
Addis Ababa
Eucalyptus trails on the ridge where Menelik II kept his first capital, two hilltop churches, and Addis Ababa spread out below.
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.
You go down on horseback with a local handler, or on foot; the only hard part is the climb back out at altitude. The drive is about three hours each way, so this is a long day for travellers who like to earn a view. This route is paused for now; we will reopen it when it is safe.
Itinerary
At the ecotourism office on the rim you meet your local guide and horses, then ride down past farms on the crater walls. A boat crosses to Cherkos island and its monastery, and a short walk leads to the hot springs. Horses or a steady climb bring you back to the rim.
Activities
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Gallery
Photo: Unsplash
Good to know
Dress code: Long trousers for riding; shoulders and knees covered at the monastery.
This tour follows the Flexible policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 14 or more days before departure | Full refund |
| 7 to 13 days before departure | 50% refund |
| Fewer than 7 days before departure | No refund |
Questions
Questions welcome
Dates, prices, hotels, a private version: ask, and a local specialist replies by email.
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Plan with us
Choose your dates above, or tell us what you have in mind and we will shape the trip around you.
