How long does it take to get to Wenchi?

Assuming that your starting point is Addis Ababa getting to Wenchi through Ambo will take roughly 4 hours and through Weliso 3 hours. Driving continuously in a strong 4-wheel drive car may reduce the time depending on the condition of the roads. The road between Addis and Ambo is under maintenance and is quite rough. Coming by public transport takes much longer. It is hard to get public transport to Wenchi from Ambo or Weliso.

Do the guides speak foreign languages?

The guides speak good English and certainly enough to communicate and give explanations on common questions regarding Wenchi.

Can we go for a boat and mountain trip on our own without a guide?

Even if you buy our trekking map and have a GPS-set with you for navigation we would not recommend you go hiking or boating on your own. Security is not a problem; there is no risk at all. However, we have to maintain our good relationship with the local community. The presence of a guide is necessary for you to communicate with the locals and for them to know who is roaming around in their area.

What types of boats are there?

You can have a trip in traditional boats, carved from the trunks of juniper trees, or in an aluminum boat, which can accommodate big groups.

What is the point of hiring assistants if there is already a guide?

In addition to the guide one or several assistants might be needed if you take horses. One assistant can handle up to 4 horses on his way back. Therefore, depending on the number of horses taken for the trek, you might be asked to hire more than one assistant.

Where can we leave our car while we are boating and hiking?

Your car can be parked in front of the restaurant tukl (round building). Future plans for the area include a proper parking place and visitor center.

Is it possible to see wild animals?

Do not expect too much in terms of wildlife. Although there are wild animals – including bushbuck, colobus monkeys and others – they are normally hidden between the trees and bushes. There are plenty of opportunities to see aquatic birds.

Where can we get food in Wenchi?

There are modern and local restaurants and hotels in both Ambo and Weliso towns, but only local restaurants in Wenchi.

How does the community benefit from the scheme?

The contribution of tourism to conservation is known to be quite limited. Although it generates some additional income for local people very few benefit from it directly. Transferring part of the turnover to the community attains some degree of communal benefit. For this purpose a sort of tourist tax is levied. It consists of 8% of the service providers’ income and 50 % of the entrance fee, which goes to the community fund .The proceeds contribute to improvements of the social infrastructure, such as village schools.

How about security?

Security is excellent because of mutual control. All our visitors are and feel perfectly safe at Wenchi.

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