Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Wenchi Crater Lake

Addis Ababa , Ethiopia

Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Wenchi Crater Lake

Active

(2 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A 3-hour drive from the capital of Addis Ababa, Wenchi - situated at the base of an extinct volcano, is the beautiful legacy of a once-powerful volcano erupting in the Tertiary period of the Cenozoic Era. The volcano that erupted about 1000 years ago left an asymmetric caldera of rock which is now covered in lush green vegetation. The whole crater contains a large lake with small islands, hot mineral springs, waterfalls, and beautiful valleys and farmland. An old monastery with a church that is positioned on one of the lake islands also makes the spot more enticing and mesmerizing.Wenchi Crater Lake is a piece of paradise on earth owing to its breathtaking landscape and beautiful scenic areas. The place that had the most powerful volcanoes once has been blessed now with a lot of natural endowments, hot springs, and waterfalls among others.

Major activities are Horse riding, Local Boat paddling, Hiking / Trekking, Bathing in the natural hot spring, and Camping.

Available options

Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Wenchi Crater Lake

Pickup included

What's included

Blue Badge guide

Government taxes

Entrance Fee

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Brunch

Detailed itinerary

Take a day trip to the northern Crater Lake Wenchi. Here, we have a 5-6 hour hike (or riding tour) through the beautiful countryside. You'll walk down to the crater lake before crossing the lake by boat. On a small island, we'll visit a monastery and church. From the opposite side of the lake, we start our way back through a lovely green valley with numerous clear water springs and small streams. The route takes us past corn mills powered by water and are still being used today for processing teff, a local type of grain. In the late afternoon, we return to Addis Ababa.

Ambo (Oromo: Amboo) is a town in west-central Ethiopia. Located in the West Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, west of Addis Ababa. And it is the capital city of West Shewa zone.[1] This town has a latitude and longitude of 8°59′N 37°51′E and an elevation of 2,101 meters.

Ambo is known for its mineral water, which is bottled outside of town; it is reportedly the most popular brand in Ethiopia.[2] Nearby attractions include Mount Wenchi to the south with its crater lake, and the Guder and Huluka Falls. Ambo is also the location of a research station of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research; initiated in 1977, this station hosts research in protecting major crops in Ethiopia.[3] The town's market day is Saturday.[4]

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will pick all clients from the hotel,guest house and any other accommodation requested for pick up

We will pick all our clients also from Addis Ababa Bole Int Airport based on the flight time

We will pick any guests stays in Addis Ababa either from their home or home stays ...

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a vibrant and historically rich city nestled in the highlands of the Horn of Africa. Known as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country, it offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Ethiopian culture.

Top Attractions

Entoto Mountain

A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding highlands. It's a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Addis Ababa Museum

A museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Ethiopia, including artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Aksum and the medieval Solomonic dynasty.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around 100 ETB or 3 USD)

Mercato

One of the largest open-air markets in Africa, offering a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and livestock.

Market Half day Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

St. George's Cathedral

A historic cathedral built in the 19th century, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a utensil and a base for other dishes.

Staple Vegan

Tibs

Sautéed cubes of meat, often served with vegetables and spices.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Shiro

A chickpea or lentil-based stew, often spiced with berbere or mitmita.

Stew Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Entoto Mountain Boating in Lake Bishoftu Coffee ceremony Spa and wellness treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional music and dance performances N/A Participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Best Time to Visit

October to June

This period offers the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F) 54°F to 79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Amharic
Widely spoken: English, Oromo
English: Moderately spoken in urban areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Addis Ababa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By bus

Addis Ababa Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Tickets are purchased on board.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ride

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza District Bole District Mercato District

Day trips

Debre Berhan

130 km (80 miles) from Addis Ababa • Full day

A historic town known for its beautiful church and traditional Ethiopian architecture.

Lake Bishoftu

40 km (25 miles) from Addis Ababa • Half day to full day

A series of volcanic lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Amharic to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide for a more authentic and insightful experience, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites
Try traditional Ethiopian coffee and participate in a coffee ceremony for a unique cultural experience
Bargain politely when shopping in markets, as it is a common practice
Be patient and flexible, as punctuality and schedules can be more relaxed in Ethiopia