Hiking to Wonchi Crater Lake

 Event Itinerary & Included Activities

Day 1 – July 19 (ሐምሌ 12)

  • Pickup: Start at Sheger House (Bole) early morning.

  • Travel: ~2–2.5 hours west from Addis Ababa to Wonchi.

  • Arrive at crater rim (~3,400 m above sea level) and meet your local guide. Options:

    • Hiking down the crater rim (moderate, ~1 hour)

    • Horse ride as an easier alternative (no prior experience needed)

  • Boat ride across the lake to Cherkos monastery island (church from 13–15th century)

  • Natural bath in hot springs near the lake

  • Campfire & dinner lakeside, camping accommodation overnight.

Day 2 – July 20 (ሐምሌ 13)

  • Sunrise & breakfast at camp.

  • Optional hike or horse ride along the crater rim/lake shore.

  • Return boat ride to mainland, followed by lunch.
    Pack up, then depart in the afternoon to arrive back in Bole in evening.

 Price & What’s Included (8000 birr/pax)

Included

  • Roundtrip transport from Bole

  • Horse riding, boat ride, campfire setup & camping gear

  • Natural hot spring bath

  • Hiking guidance

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Overnight camping accommodation

  • Entrance fees, guide services, bottled water

Excluded

  • Personal tips, extra snacks/drinks

  • Travel insurance, camera fees, unforeseen personal expenses

 What to Bring

  • Clothing: Warm layers (crater rim is chilly), hat, sunglasses

  • Footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy shoes

  • Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent

  • Backpack items: Reusable water bottle — though bottled water is provided

  • Optional: Swimwear for hot-spring bath

 Safety & Local Tips

  • Guided trip strongly recommended — a local guide helps with navigation, cultural interactions, and safety

  • Horse riding: Suitable for beginners, available for those preferring not to hike

  • Terrain: Moderate hiking; horses are there to ease access to lake bottom

  • Health: High altitudes (3400 m) and moderate physical activity—stay hydrated!

 Booking & Contact Info

  • To reserve your spot, call:
    +251 98 789 5298 or +251 910 981 902

  • Payment (Cbe):

    • Zaion Tamru: 1000414843027

    • Amanuel Assefa: 1000356965284

  • Telegram group for discussion/updates: [link you provided]

 Extra Highlights

  • Crater features: Volcano-formed bowl ~4 × 4.8 km with deep caldera (~900 m) and lake (~400 m deep)

  • Local ecology: Rich in flora/fauna, indigenous forest, aquatic birdlife, waterfalls & thermal springs

  • Cultural element: Cherkos (Qiorkos) monastery church on lake island, built around 13th–15th century

 Final Tips

  • Bring warm clothes—evenings next to a campfire can get cold.

  • Inform someone of your plans or join a group tour for added safety.

  • A local guide ensures logistics, communications, and security are smooth.

  • Capture the scenery: Panoramic crater views, lake reflections, vibrant nature.

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