Wenchi Crater Lake

Wenchi fills a volcanic crater at around 3,000 metres in the highlands west of Addis Ababa, a green lake enclosed by steep slopes terraced and farmed almost to the water, with an island in the middle holding a monastery said to date from the fifteenth century. The standard visit descends from the rim to the shore on foot or by hired horse, crosses to the island by boat, and returns by a different route past hot springs and a waterfall, taking most of a day. The circuit is run by a community tourism association that arranges guides, horses and boatmen, and the income supports the villages on the rim. The descent and re-ascent are substantial, around four hundred metres, which is what makes the horses popular.

What you actually see

• The crater lake - green water enclosed by terraced slopes.
• The island monastery - the church reached by boat across the lake.
• Hot springs - thermal water on the shore circuit.
• Horse trekking - hired mounts for the descent and climb out.

When to go

October to March for dry tracks and the clearest weather. The highlands are green just after the rains in September and October. June to September makes the descent slippery and the road difficult.

Honest expectations

The descent and climb back are strenuous at 3,000 metres; horses help but the ground is rough. Community fees, guide, horse and boat are charged separately and add up. Women may not be permitted onto the monastery island. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Ambo lies northeast; Addis Ababa is further east.