Wenchi Lake is situated in the crater of a massive 3400-meter volcano approximately 100 km west of Addis. It is possible to visit the lake in one day but it is preferable to overnight in either Ambo or Woliso towns which are the north side and south sides of the mountain respectively. It is an hour’s drive from both towns up the flanks of the mountain to the crater.

From the viewpoint, of the road head, there is an expansive and spectacular view into and across the crater and its large lake. Several hundred meters below is the monastery island of Wenchi Chirkos. The crater is more than 10 km across and within its walls, there are traditional Oromo villages, hot springs, a hot waterfall, the ancient monastery, and forested canyons where colobus monkeys and other wildlife are common.

The local community operates an ecotourism initiative and it is possible to spend a whole day in the crater exploring the villages, lake, monastery island, and forests by a combination of horseback, boat, and walking. It is a wonderful trip full of surprises and highly recommended.