11-Hour Wonchi Crater Lake Tour with Boating and St. Kirkos Church

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Wonchi Crater Lake and the island Church of St. Kirkos
• 02 Cruise across the crater lake amid waterfalls and lush river valleys
• 03 Trek or ride horses along the crater rim for panoramic views
• 04 Visit nearby villages and natural hot springs to experience traditional Ethiopian life

Discover Wonchi, a stunning volcanic crater lake 145 km west of Addis Ababa on the northern edge of the Rift Valley. Set within a vast caldera, this natural wonder is surrounded by hot springs, waterfalls, and lush river valleys, creating a beautiful mix of flat and mountainous landscapes. Explore its two islands, including one that is home to the historic 15th-century Ethiopian Orthodox monastery of St. Cirakos (Qirkos), built during the reign of King Zara Yakob, and experience the area's rich history and breathtaking scenery.

Discover Wonchi, a stunning volcanic crater lake 145 km west of Addis Ababa on the northern edge of the Rift Valley.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Hagere Hiywet, Giyon

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Wonchi Crater Lake, St. Kirkos Church, and Village Experience

• Begin the day with an early breakfast and drive west to Ambo or Wolliso town for a coffee or tea break before continuing to the crater lake, located about thirty kilometers from either town.
• Descend on foot or by horse from the crater rim with a local guide until you reach a wooden boat that will take you to the Church of St. Kirkos.
• Cruise across the lake to the island where the church stands, explore the site, and enjoy a packed lunch.
• Continue walking or riding by horse to reach the other side of the crater.
• Visit nearby villages and hot springs to experience the local way of life, then drive back to Addis Ababa.
• Conclude the trip with drop-off at your hotel or Bole International Airport for departure, marking the end of the service.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• English-speaking guide service
• Meal and lunch
• All entrance fees
• Car, horse, and boat rentals
• Fuel expenses
• Driver allowance
• Scout and local guide payments
• Bottled water as needed
• Hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off
• Government tax and others

What's Not Included

• Local and international air tickets
• Shopping expenses
• Any other personal expenses such as cigarettes and alcoholic drinks
• Tips and others

What to bring

• Walking shoes and a stick
• Mosquito repellent lotion
• Other items as needed

Know before you go

• Drive back to Addis Ababa at a quicker pace to cover all places stated in the itinerary.
• There is an option to spend the night at Negash Lodge in Wolliso town after the day's activities.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Hotel or airport

Tour start

Wonchi, Ethiopia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.