Lake Wonchi

Wonchi lake is a picturesque crater lake which is located on the mountain range between the town of Ambo and Woliso. The lake is the beautiful legacy of a once powerful volcano erupting in the Tertiary period of the Cenozoic Era. The volcano erupted about 1000 years ago and left asymmetric caldera of rock which is now covered in lush green vegetation. The whole crater contains a large lake with small islands, hot mineral springs, waterfalls and beautiful valleys and farmland.

Due to its unique topography, the Lake is also a habitat for varieties of animal and plant species, some aquatic birds and it is a splendid area for a number of indigenous forest reserves, including Egynia Abyssinica (Kosso- plant used in traditional medicine as a vermifuge) and Erica Arborea (Hasta).

An old monastery with a church known as Wonchi Cherkos is positioned on one of the lake islands making the spot more enticing and mesmerizing. The monastery is believed to have been constructed in 13 Century by St. Tekle Haymanot and reconstructed by Emperor Zara Yaqob in 15th Century .It hosts a large church bell, called the “Gondar bell”, because it is said to have belonged to Emperor Fasilidas who reigned in Gondar.

It is possible to spend a whole day in Wonchi crater exploring the traditional Oromo villages, lake, monastery island and forests by a combination of horseback, boat and walking. It’s also possible to visit lake Dendi ; a bell shaped lake 20 Km away from Wenchi or Visit the peaceful Guder Falls before returning to Addis Ababa.

The Office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with its newest development project, (‘Dine for Ethiopia’) has given due attention to develop the destination and increase Tourist flow to the area.