Ethiopia · Hiking

10-Hour Nature Trip to Lake Wenchi from Addis Ababa with Hiking

10 Hours Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Wenchi Crater Lake in the crater of an extinct volcano in the Oromia region
02 Take in beautiful valleys, farmland, waterfalls, and hot mineral springs around the lake
03 Choose between a 4 km hike to the lakeshore or a descent on horseback
04 Enjoy boating, hiking, and mule riding in the scenic highlands west of Addis Ababa

A trip to Wenchi Crater Lake is a wonderful choice for a weekend escape from Addis Ababa. Located 155 km west of the city between Ambo and Weliso, this extinct volcanic crater rises to 3380 meters above sea level and holds a large lake surrounded by beautiful valleys and farmland. The area is also home to hot mineral springs, waterfalls, and an old monastery with a church on one of the lake islands. With opportunities for hiking, boating, and exploring the highland scenery, this tour offers a refreshing nature experience in the Oromia region.

You have the option of hiking 4 km down to the lakeshore on your own or descending on horseback.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Addis Ababa

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Full-Day Excursion to Wenchi Crater Lake

Start your morning with a 150 km drive west of Addis Ababa. Wenchi Crater Lake lies at around 3000 m (10,000 feet) above sea level in the crater of an extinct volcano in the Oromia region.
Continue uphill for about a kilometer to reach the departure point.
You have the option of hiking 4 km down to the lakeshore on your own or descending on horseback. The downhill trek is filled with varied greens across the hillsides and the lake's surface.
After about an hour and passing a couple of villages, the landscape opens onto the shore and a small dock.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy mule riding, hiking, and a boat trip.