January 2016

Wenchi Crater Lake

This beautiful lake called Wrenchi Crater Lakeis located approximately 150km west of Addis Ababa and a minimum of a three hours drive. Wenchi is a highland area, situated in Oromia Regional state in South West Shewa Zone. The area is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, used mainly as farmland and partly covered by natural forest. When we arrived, we hired a guide to walk all the way down to the lake. We walked down the mountain, the beautiful lake always insight, and passing a small village. Someone in the village community died a few days prior to our visit and the funeral took place on that day. So everyone from the neighboring villages came to pay their respects. People and donkeys were dressed up festively for the occasion. Down by the lake we sat down to pause and admire the view and to have a sandwich which we brought along. At the lake, you have the option to go on the lake in a boat and row to the small island in the middle of the lake where an old monastery with a church is situated. Other attractions in the area include the hot mineral springs, waterfalls, and dramatic valleys around the lake. Which we didn't visit any of them in particular as we only had limited time available. Still a great day excursion!