Horseback riding at Wenchi Crater Lake from Addis Ababa

Descend a crater rim by horseback, boat across a volcanic lake, and soak in hot springs

A full-day trip from Addis Ababa to Wenchi Crater Lake combines horseback riding into the crater, a boat trip to Cherkos Monastery on the lake, and time in hot springs and local villages. The route includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and all entrance fees. You choose whether to ride, hike or take a mule down into the crater.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wenchi Crater Lake full-day tour

• Pick-up from hotel or airport
• Drive via Ambo
• Refreshment stop in Ambo
• Arrive at Wenchi Crater Lake
• Descend into crater by hike or ride
• Boat trip to Cherkos Monastery
• Lunch by lake or lodge
• Explore hot springs and villages
• Hike or ride back
• Depart for Addis Ababa
• Drop-off at hotel or airport

The experience

The crater sits 155 km west of Addis Ababa, surrounded by lush forest, waterfalls and farmland. You're picked up from your hotel or airport at 7 am and driven via Ambo, with a refreshment stop around 9:30 am before arriving at the crater rim by 11 am. A local guide meets you there and explains the day ahead. The descent into the crater is yours to choose: horseback, on foot, or by mule. Once down, you board a boat for the crossing to Cherkos Monastery, an ancient island church, then return to the crater floor for lunch by the lake or at a nearby lodge.

After lunch, you explore the hot springs, walk through villages and meet people from the Oromo culture that inhabits the area. The ride or hike back up the crater takes the afternoon, and you're dropped at your hotel or airport by around 5:20 pm. The full day runs roughly 11 hours from pickup to return. Horseback riding is optional (you can hike or ride a mule instead), so the descent suits different comfort levels and experience with horses.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Addis Ababa.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• all entrance fees and government tax.
• lunch.
• coffee and tea.
• bottle of water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day47 departure times: the first at 01:30, the last at 16:50

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (20 to 39 years) · Senior (40 to 59 years) · Youth (15 to 19 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Vowland Ethiopia Tour

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout the day, so you follow the commentary and ask questions as you ride and explore. The route suits riders of all levels because you can choose horseback, hiking, or mule at the crater itself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 19 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

Can I ride a horse if I've never ridden before?

Yes. The descent into Wenchi Crater offers three options: horseback, hiking, or mule. You choose at the crater based on your experience and comfort, so first-time riders can pick the mule or hike instead, and experienced riders can take a horse.

What is Cherkos Monastery and why is it on an island?

Cherkos Monastery is an ancient island church sitting in the middle of Wenchi Crater Lake. You reach it by boat from the crater floor, and it represents centuries of Christian tradition in the region.

How long is the horseback ride down into the crater?

The descent into the crater takes roughly an hour, depending on the route and your pace. The climb back up happens in the afternoon after lunch and exploration of the hot springs and villages.

What's included in the price?

Hotel or airport pickup, transportation to and from the crater, a professional English-speaking guide, all entrance fees, lunch, coffee or tea, a bottle of water, and government tax are all included.

Are the hot springs safe to enter?

The hot springs are part of the afternoon exploration, and locals use them regularly. Your guide will advise on temperature and safety when you arrive.