Central
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.
Central Ethiopia
Wenchi
A lake inside an extinct volcano, an island monastery and hot springs west of Addis Ababa.
Overview
About Wenchi
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.
- Region
- Central
- Best time
- October to May
Highlights
What makes it worth the journey
Highlights
- The view from the rim
- A horse ride down the crater walls
- Cherkos island monastery
- Hot springs near the crater floor
Things to do
- Ride or walk down into the crater
- Take a boat to Cherkos
- Visit the hot springs
- Hire a guide from the community ecotourism office
Plan your visit
Before you go
Best time to visit
October to May
Getting there
About three hours by road west of Addis Ababa, via Woliso.
Getting around
On horseback or on foot into the crater, then by boat across the lake.
Good to know
- The climb back out is steep and at altitude; allow time.
- The route crosses areas under official travel warnings; check our current briefing before planning.
Gallery
A look at Wenchi
Photos: Unsplash
Keep exploring
More places to see
Central
Central
Rift Valley Lakes
Crater lakes and lakeside lodges, a short drive south of Addis Ababa.
Central
Bishoftu
Volcanic crater lakes an hour from Addis Ababa, and the Irreecha gathering at Lake Hora.
Let us plan your Wenchi trip
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.