Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
closed the next
Wenchi Lodge
( 0113-560122; s/d Birr100/200)
. It occupies a com-
manding hilltop position and, should it be open, rooms are in circular concrete huts with
thatched roofs.
Getting There & Away
For those with vehicles, Mt Wenchi makes for a wonderful day trip from Addis Ababa.
For everyone else, Mt Wenchi is best visited on Friday and Sunday from Ambo in the
north or Weliso to the south when one or two buses (Birr25, 1½ hours from either town)
head to the market at the village of Haro Wenchi, which is where the Eco Tourism Associ-
ation office is. Buses from either Ambo or Weliso leave between 7am and 8.30am. They
usually return sometime between 4pm and 5pm.
A minibus with driver can be hired in Ambo. A return trip costs a very negotiable Bir-
r1000. Ask at the bus station.
Guder & Around
The journey towards Nekemte soon takes you through
Guder
, 11km west of Ambo.
About 1km from Guder, after crossing the river, you'll see a gate for
Guder Falls
(admis-
sion Birr30; 7am-6pm)
. It isn't spectacular, but is worth a peek in the wet season. The
ubiquitous Ethiopian red wine, Gouder, was ostensibly named after the river, and a few
vineyards can still be seen covering the surrounding area. If you want to stay, the
Guder
Falls Recreation Area Hotel
( 0911-896012; cottages Birr55)
is a peaceful place set
above the falls in beautifully tended gardens. Sadly the same love hasn't been extended to
the cottages themselves.
As you climb from Guder the views open up and you'll see endless fields of quilted
yellows, reds and greens. Although the views down are great, don't forget to look up, too
- there are some impressive columnar basalt flows along the road cut above Guder.
About 65km from Ambo you'll reach an escarpment offering westward vistas over dis-
tant volcanic landscapes. Heading further west, things become less cultivated. This area is
part of the historical Wolega province and is home to gold reserves and precious frankin-
cense. Both still fetch high prices in Middle Eastern and Egyptian markets.
