Two-Day Lake Wenchi & Menagesha Forest: Crater Lake, Hot Springs and Birding from Addis Ababa
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness; expect uneven trails, short steep sections, and 2–4 hours of hiking each day
Overview
Spend two days tracing a volcanic bowl and walking ancient woodlands: Lake Wenchi’s crater lake, island monastery and hot springs, followed by bird-rich trails in Menagesha Forest. This accessible loop from Addis blends geology, culture and easy wildlife viewing.
Two-Day Lake Wenchi & Menagesha Forest: Crater Lake, Hot Springs and Birding from Addis Ababa
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The first light arrives thin and cool over the crater rim, and Lake Wenchi answers it like a slow breath—flat water held in a volcanic bowl, steam lifting from mineral hot springs along a secluded shore. You step off the minivan into a landscape that still reads like a place where the earth remembers its eruptions: a steep rim, green slopes spilling toward an island with an ancient chapel, and a quiet that only a highland morning can give.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for calm water and better light
Morning hours at Lake Wenchi mean smoother water for the boat to Cherkos island and softer light for photography—aim to leave Addis before sunrise.
Bring local currency for park and scout fees
Entry and scout fees are typically paid in Ethiopian birr on arrival—carry small notes to avoid disruption.
Watch footing around hot springs and shoreline
Rocks near springs can be slippery and hot—use trekking poles if you rely on them for balance.
Binoculars make the forest sing
Menagesha’s canopy holds wary birds—binoculars will let you pick out Ethiopian orioles and woodpeckers without disturbing them.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Colobus monkey
- Menelik’s bushbuck
History
Menagesha has been a protected state forest since the 15th century and historically served as a hunting and resource area for regional rulers; Cherkos island hosts a long-standing monastic tradition.
Conservation
Small entry and scout fees support trail maintenance and community projects; stay on designated paths to protect regenerating forest and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
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Adventure Hotspots in Addis Ababa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on rocky crater rims and muddy forest trails.
Insulating midlayer and waterproof shell
Mornings and evenings can be chilly, and sudden rain is possible during the wet season.
winter specific
Hydration system (2L+)
Plenty of water for hikes at altitude and in the sun.
Binoculars (8–10x)
Crucial for spotting colobus monkeys and endemic forest birds without getting too close.