2 Days Oldonyo Lengai
Rising majestically in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active volcano in the world that erupts rare carbonatite lava. Known to the Maasai as the “Mountain of God”, it offers one of Tanzania’s most unique trekking adventures. The challenging night climb rewards you with breathtaking sunrise views over Lake Natron, the Rift Valley, and even Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous travelers seeking both cultural connection and natural wonder.
| Destination |
Mount Ol’doinyo Lengai |
| Area |
2962 m |
| Location |
Northern Circuit, Arusha |
 Travel With Land Cruiser |
Details
Known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai, Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano rising 2,962 meters above sea level in Northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley. It is the only volcano on earth that erupts unique carbonatite lava, making it a truly rare natural wonder.
A trek up Ol Doinyo Lengai is a challenging adventure, usually done at night so climbers reach the summit by sunrise. From the top, travelers enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Natron, the Rift Valley, and Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. The surrounding area is equally captivating, with flamingo-covered Lake Natron, hidden waterfalls, and vibrant Maasai culture.
This adventure is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spectacular natural scenery.
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and drive you to Lake Natron. The drive is fairly long and you will reach Lengai Safari Lodge sometime after lunch. At the same time, the scenery on the way is picturesque and you will have an opportunity to see the local people, including Maasai tribesmen, as well as some African wildlife. After your check-in, a guide will take you on a walking tour to Ngare Sero waterfall. The trail runs through a gorge and you will sometimes need to ford the stream, so we recommend that you wear sandals or the like to avoid constantly having to take your shoes off. A drive to the lakeshore, where you get a chance to capture its great scenery on camera takes place before you return to the Lodge for dinner and some rest
At 1:00 a.m. driver takes you to the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano for the start of your climb. The footing on the slopes of the volcano can be treacherous, especially in the dark, so follow your guide without overtaking him. The trek is strenuous and takes between 7 and 12 hours depending on your fitness and resultant pace. The gradient is steep, so it is best to make a short stop with every 100 m or so of altitude gained in order to get acclimatized. It is best to take a break for breakfast on the way to the top in order to regain some strength for the remainder of the climb. At the edge of the crater, you will have reached an altitude of 2,960 m. Here, you can actually hear the lava flow inside the Mountain of God crater. The descent is easier and you may be tempted to move faster. This is, however, the time when most injuries happen, so mind your step! It is also advisable to change your fleece for a sun hat after dawn in order to avoid heatstroke. Our driver will be awaiting you as you return to the foot of the mountain with cold drinks, ready to drive you back to the town of Arusha.
- Duration: 2 days
- Distance: 1600 M
- What to bring: Mountain Shoes and sun cream
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