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About Oldonyo Lengai
Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai, is Tanzania’s only active volcano and the only known carbonatite volcano in the world. Towering at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Natron, this sacred mountain offers a truly unique trekking experience. Unlike typical volcanoes, Ol Doinyo Lengai erupts with natrocarbonatite lava, which is cooler, highly fluid, and turns white upon contact with air, creating an otherworldly landscape at the summit.
The trek to the top is both challenging and rewarding, with climbers beginning their ascent at midnight under the starlit African sky. The steep, rugged terrain and loose volcanic ash make the climb demanding, but reaching the summit at sunrise reveals breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the vast plains below. The mountain overlooks the striking Lake Natron, famous for its vibrant flamingo colonies and dramatic red-hued waters, adding to the region’s unique beauty.
Why Visit Ol Doinyo Lengai?
- Climb one of the world’s most unique active volcanoes
- Experience a challenging midnight trek and sunrise summit
- Marvel at breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and beyond
- Explore the wonders of Lake Natron and its vibrant flamingo colonies
- Immerse yourself in Maasai culture and sacred traditions
Oldonyo Lengai Itinerary
Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Arusha) → 600 m / 1,968 ft (Lake Natron)
Distance: ~240 km (6-7 hours’ drive)
Habitat: Arid plains, volcanic formations, alkaline lake
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Your adventure starts in Arusha, where your guide will pick you up early in the morning. The scenic drive to Lake Natron takes you through the Great Rift Valley, passing traditional Maasai villages and breathtaking landscapes. You will arrive at Lake Natron by early afternoon and check into your tented camp or lodge.
After lunch, enjoy a guided hike to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls, an oasis surrounded by lush vegetation in an otherwise arid region. You can take a refreshing dip in the cool natural pools before returning to camp.
Spend the evening exploring Lake Natron, famous for its red-hued waters and flamingo colonies. As the sun sets, the views of Ol Doinyo Lengai in the background create a magical landscape. After an early dinner, you’ll prepare for the midnight trek to the summit.
Rest & Pre-Trek Briefing: Before the climb, your guide will brief you on the trek, safety precautions, and essential gear. A few hours of rest before the ascent is recommended.
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge at Lake Natron
Altitude: 600 m / 1,968 ft (Lake Natron) → 2,962 m / 9,718 ft (Summit)
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours ascent | 3-4 hours descent
Habitat: Volcanic slopes, lava formations, ash-covered trails
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
At midnight, you’ll drive to the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, where your trek begins under the stars. Using headlamps, you'll start the steep, challenging ascent. The terrain consists of loose volcanic ash, rocky paths, and steep inclines, making it one of East Africa’s most demanding climbs.
As you ascend, you’ll witness an active volcanic landscape with steaming vents, hardened lava formations, and sulfur deposits. After 5-7 hours, you'll reach the summit just in time for sunrise.
Summit Experience: From the peak, you’ll enjoy 360° panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Natron, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Ngorongoro Highlands. The sunrise over the African plains is truly unforgettable!
After taking in the stunning volcanic crater, you’ll begin your descent, which takes 3-4 hours. The loose volcanic ash makes the return challenging but faster than the ascent. Upon reaching the base, you'll return to your camp for breakfast and a well-deserved rest.
Return to Arusha: After breakfast and a short rest, you'll embark on the return drive to Arusha, arriving by late afternoon.
Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Arusha) → 600 m / 1,968 ft (Lake Natron)
Distance: 240 km (6-7 hours’ drive)
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge near Lake Natron
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha towards Lake Natron, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you’ll witness dramatic escarpments, vast savannas, and traditional Maasai villages.
Upon arrival at Lake Natron, you’ll check into your lodge or tented camp, where you’ll have time to relax and prepare for your upcoming trek. In the evening, take a short walk along the shores of Lake Natron, home to thousands of flamingos. This otherworldly landscape, with its soda-rich waters and distant volcanic backdrops, is truly mesmerizing.
Dinner will be served at your accommodation, followed by a trek briefing from your guide, ensuring you are well-prepared for the midnight ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Altitude: 600 m / 1,968 ft (Lake Natron) → 2,962 m / 9,718 ft (Summit) → 600 m / 1,968 ft (Descent)
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (round trip)
Trekking Time: 8-12 hours
Habitat: Volcanic slopes with loose ash and rock
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Tented Camp / Lodge near Lake Natron
The trek begins around midnight, ensuring you reach the summit by sunrise. Equipped with headlamps, you’ll start the steep and challenging ascent, navigating through loose volcanic ash and rugged rock formations. The climb is demanding but incredibly rewarding, as the night sky glows with stars, and the Great Rift Valley stretches endlessly below.
Upon reaching the 2,962-meter (9,718 ft) summit, you’ll be greeted by one of the most surreal landscapes in East Africa. The crater, filled with fresh lava vents and steaming fissures, gives the impression of stepping onto another planet. As the sun rises, the view expands across the Rift Valley, with Lake Natron shimmering below and Mount Kilimanjaro visible in the distance.
After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, you’ll begin your descent, which takes about 3-4 hours. The loose volcanic gravel makes this part of the trek challenging on the knees, but your guide will assist you along the way.
Once back at Lake Natron, you’ll have a hearty breakfast and time to rest at your accommodation. The afternoon is yours to explore—optional activities include a visit to the Engare Sero Waterfalls, a refreshing dip in natural rock pools, or a guided Maasai cultural tour.
Dinner will be served in the evening as you relax after a truly unforgettable day.
Altitude: 600 m / 1,968 ft (Lake Natron) → 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Arusha)
Distance: 240 km (6-7 hours’ drive)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning walk along the shores of Lake Natron, where you may spot more flamingos and other unique birdlife. Your guide will then drive you back to Arusha, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
Upon arrival in Arusha, you can either be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport if you have an onward flight.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Accommodation (lodge/campsite)
- Transportation to and from the mountain gate.
Excludes
- International flights and visas.
- Personal trekking gear (can be rented).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Beverages and personal expenses.
Gallery
FAQs
Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is situated in northern Tanzania, within the Great Rift Valley, near Lake Natron. It is approximately 120 km northwest of Arusha and stands as the only active carbonatite volcano in the world.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only known active carbonatite volcano, meaning it erupts natrocarbonatite lava, which is cooler and more fluid than typical basaltic lava. This lava turns white upon contact with air, creating an alien-like landscape at the summit.
Reaching the summit at sunrise offers breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Natron, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru. The crater itself features fresh lava flows, fumaroles, and steaming vents, giving climbers a rare glimpse of an active volcanic environment.
The best time to climb is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. These months provide clearer skies, better trekking conditions, and a more enjoyable experience.
Absolutely! Many climbers combine the trek with visits to Lake Natron, known for its flamingo colonies and unique alkaline waters. You can also explore waterfalls, Maasai villages, and other attractions in the area.
Yes, Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano, with frequent small eruptions. However, major eruptions are rare, and treks are only conducted when conditions are deemed safe.
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