Written by Melaku Sahlu - Horizon Ethiopia Staff Writer
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Despite the fact that real estate in urban areas other than Addis is definitely not cheap, vacation homes in more rural areas or in small towns throughout Ethiopia, may be much less expensive to purchase. One such location is Wonchi, a small community about two and half hours southwest of Addis Ababa.
Wonchi is a picturesque little community centered around the crater lake of Wonchi. With an unspoiled (and environmentally protected) natural beauty at a distance not very far from Addis, it is an ideal location to look to for a weekend excursion or even a vacation home for those who appreciate nature and the idyllic surroundings that Wonchi provides.
A breathtaking view of Lake Wonchi nestled amongst the surrounding mountain tops over 3300 meters above sea level.
Less than two hours away from Addis and along the well paved road to Jimma, is the larger community of Wolliso. This is where travelers to Wonchi would leave the main road and turn west as if heading towards Ambo. 20 minutes into the gravel road, the turn off for Ambo beckons but Wonchi is to be found by continuing straight ahead for another 20 minutes or so on the same road. The road climbs up the mountain on top of which is the crater lake and hot springs a bit higher up. You may feel your ears pop as you drive up to Lake Wonchi and with good reason for the plateau on which it is located is over 3300 meters above sea level. Monkeys, apes and gazelles can be found in the lush forest of the surrounding mountains.
An Affordable Slice of Heaven
Much of the land around Wonchi is owned by farmers and other members of the local community in the area. Over the past few years, a number of visitors who have been struck by the incredibly peaceful and unspoiled beauty of Wonchi, have negotiated deals with these owners to lease tracts of land right on the lakeside for 15-20 years. Because it largely remains undiscovered – and unfamiliar still to many residents of the capital – the prices negotiated may seem to be quite low. As low as 13,000 ETB for a 1000 sq.m. right on the lake is no doubt an unheard of bargain given the status of real estate sector in Ethiopia today. That was about two years ago though. Today, the same plot of land may run quite a bit more (perhaps 2-3 times as much) although still well within the reach of many buyers that would be in the income range for a vacation home anyway.
Protecting Wonchi’s Future
Cherkos Gedam is on the island in the background.
Still, prospective buyers should be aware that as an area under environmental protection, there are some constraints on what they can do in the community of Wonchi. For example, there are no electrical lines there and powered generators are not allowed. You can put up a solar generator if you wish, but that’s about it. No running water, sewer systems, TV service, etc. You can’t lay a big concrete foundation on which to build a house and therefore must make do with a hut or a simple lodge although you can appoint them quite nicely. If you’ve got visions of zipping around on the lake in a jet ski or motorboat, look elsewhere because there are noise restrictions that disallow that due to the Cherkos gedam (monastery) which is located on one of the two small islands in the middle of the lake. However, there are well crafted canoes (carved out of tree trunks) that locals use and that seem to be very appropriate for the surroundings. A short distance away from the main lake, you can find hot springs that flow from the volcanic activity deep (we hope!) inside the mountain. Natural rock hewn cavities in which some of these hot springs flow into are reminiscent of Jacuzzi like structures.
No jet skis for you! But you'll get a great workout trying to get these canoes go as fast as one...
Increasing Awareness
In recent years, nature loving tourists have been discovering the pleasures of these springs and the remainder of Wonchi’s surreal offerings. So if you’re looking to try and claim a piece of this natural treasure for yourself, you should do it fast while its still available and affordable to the average buyer. Beyond that, Wonchi’s breathtaking panoramas and serene environment must be seen to be believed. And at the eminently affordable prices of securing property there, whether you do so as a guest at Abebech Lodge at the top of the hill or from the front lawn of your very own vacation home on the edge of Lake Wonchi, is entirely up to you.
Yes, this could be your front yard.
And this could be you taking an afternoon snooze in an absolutely picture perfect setting.
o my god...never ever seen a place like this in ethiopai...i have fallen in love with this place..i am originaly from gondar but i sould so move to wonchi
