Curator’s statement
In January 2024, a newly inaugurated resort called Wanchi Dandi Tourism Village opened in the heart of Ethiopia's crater Wonchi crater lake area. This beautiful tranquil lake is known as the top choice for holiday trips and dubbed as the Switzerland of Ethiopia. Wonchi was also voted as one of the ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO' in 2021 at the General Assembly in Madrid. Located about 150 km west of Addis Ababa in the Oromia region, the village of Wonchi is one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Ethiopia. This resort boasts a unique and sustainable approach to hospitality using the traditional architecture of the Oromo homesteads in the region. As well as sustainable natural materials and a modern twist to the building of the lodges and centers that are open, flat and given to outside light.
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The tourism resort village is about 150 kilometers west of Addis Ababa in the Oromia region. The village of Wonchi is one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Ethiopia. The route there can be reached by bus whether you ride with a tour company going to Wonchi from Mexico. Wabi Shebelle Hotel on behalf of Gofere Travel can take you there. Going west from Addis Ababa via the towns of Ambo and Wolisso near the lake can also be done via a personal car driver or public busses as well. The resort village is comprised of the Eco-Lodge itself to the Nadhii Center that feature local artist work displayed on the walls and the honey tasting center, and the Goro Cultural Center, where you get he best sunrise views and eat while dining here and sipping on coffee at the Liban Cafe. They have views directly of the whole lake that is nestled by the green forested hills, a few islands with a monastery in the viewpoint and the trails taking one to the shores and the nearby villages.
Need to know
I recommend taking a boat adventure offered at Wanchi Eco Tourism Village to get a true experience promising both serenity and awe-inspiring beauty. You can glide across the crystal-clear waters surrounded by the lush greenery of the lodge with eco-friendly boats designed to ensure a minimal environmental footprint without leaving a trace. Take a hike tour on the Bagoba-Abagalalcha trail, which is the longest trials. You can also take a boat ride or kayak in the waters and go visit the monastery on an island. Camping and picnicking near the shores, take a dive in the mud hot springs of Dawala Hot Springs, go on a bike ride on the new trails renting a bike or go horse riding through the scenic trails and lush landscapes.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Ethiopia page.
Travel Advisor
Joshua Lucas
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