Wonchi & Menagesha Forest Tours – 2 Days
Tour Overview:
This 2-day eco-adventure from Addis Ababa offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wildlife encounters. On Day 1, explore the stunning Wenchi Crater Lake with options for horseback riding, hiking, or boating to a remote island monastery. Spend the night in the peaceful town of Woliso. On Day 2, delve into the ancient Menagesha Suba Forest, Ethiopia’s oldest protected forest, home to rare wildlife and endemic birds. Ideal for nature lovers and travelers looking to escape the city for a short yet immersive retreat.
Tour Highlights:
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Explore the breathtaking Wenchi Crater Lake, surrounded by lush hills and volcanic scenery
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Visit Cherkos Monastery, reachable by a scenic boat ride
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Optional horseback riding or guided hikes around the lake
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Relax overnight at a comfortable lodge in Woliso
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Hike in the Menagesha Suba Forest, a biodiversity hotspot near Addis
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Spot endemic wildlife like the Menelik’s bushbuck and colobus monkeys
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Birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of the Abyssinian woodpecker and Ethiopian oriole
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Wenchi Crater Lake – Woliso
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Early morning departure from Addis Ababa as you head west toward Wenchi Crater Lake, a scenic drive of about 3 hours.
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Upon arrival, choose between a horseback ride or a guided hike around the lake’s rim, offering stunning views of the crater and surrounding countryside.
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Take a boat trip across the lake to visit the island monastery of Cherkos, and, if time allows, explore the natural hot springs nearby.
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In the late afternoon, continue to Woliso, where you’ll spend the night at a local lodge surrounded by greenery.
Overnight: Comfortable lodge in Woliso
Day 2: Woliso – Menagesha National Forest – Addis Ababa
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After breakfast, drive to Menagesha Suba Forest, one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas.
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Enjoy a guided forest hike, spotting wildlife such as the endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, colobus monkeys, and a variety of forest birds.
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Birdwatchers will appreciate the chance to see the Ethiopian oriole and Abyssinian woodpecker, among others.
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After a fulfilling nature walk, return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon and drop off at your hotel.
Includes:
- Airport transfers and road transport by private car
- Full board, including mineral water.
- Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
- Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
