Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain Hike

Overview

Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano in Tanzania. It consists of a volcanic cone with two craters, the northern of which has erupted during historical time. Uniquely for volcanoes on Earth, it has erupted natrocarbonatite, an unusual, cold, and highly fluid type of magma. Recent eruptions in 2007-2008 impacted the surrounding region.

The Maasai and Sonjo people refer to the volcano as “The Mountain of God”, viewing it as the abode of the god Engai, who withdrew there after being hit by a hunter with an arrow.Other names are Basanjo, Donjo Ngai, Duenjo Ngai, Mongogogura, Mungogo wa Bogwe and Oldonyo L’Engai.

Day 1: Early morning drive from Arusha to Lake Natron. Lunch is held at Engaruka, a traditional Maasai village en route. Arrive at your accommodation, at Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge campsite, and enjoy a delicious hearty dinner before retiring for an evening rest.

Day 2: At midnight, you will be picked up and driven to the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai. You will then climb to the peak to coincide with a spectacular sunrise. You will see the incredible crater and glowing lava from the only active mountain in all of Africa. After descending the mountain, you will be driven back to your accommodation for a very well-deserved late breakfast. You can then enjoy a much-needed rest followed by an afternoon visit to tranquil Engaresero waterfalls for a swim and some R+R. Dinner and bed will be most appreciated tonight!

Day 3: Before sunrise, drive to stunning Lake Natron to watch the sunrise over the alkaline lake covered in glorious pink hues from the flamingos who call the lake home. Return to your accommodation for breakfast and then bid farewell to Lake Natron as you drive back to Arusha.