Hiking on Oldonyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai (2890 metres) is located some 240 kilometres to the northwest of Arusha town, along the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Natron on the border with Kenya. Ol Doinyo Lengai, or Mountain of God in Maasai, is the only active volcano in Tanzania.

The mountain can be climbed in 6 hours, affording breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley and volcanic formations in the Ngorongoro highlands as you get to the summit. It is an adventurous hike starting at dawn. Remember this is an active volcano, the mountain remains closed for climbing when we have eruptions.

Lying on the base of the mountain, Lake Natron is said to be the only breeding area for the endangered Lesser Flamingoes that live in the Great Rift Valley and it is believed to be the world’s most important breeding site for the Lesser Flamingoes, accounting for 75 per cent of the global population.

The soda lake sits on the lowest point of the Great Rift Valley part in East Africa and is quite shallow, less than three meters deep, and varies in width depending on its water level. The temperatures in the lake mud can reach more than 40 degrees Celsius where evaporation causes high alkalinity. It is said the lake’s high alkaline environment is a barrier against predators trying to reach the flamingo nests.

The area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar landscape beauty. Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment, make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track.

Mount Ol doinyo Lengai Climb Itinerary – 3 Days / 2 Nights

Duration: 3days

Day 1: Depart Moshi town or Arusha city at 7.00 am and drive to Ngaresero village (Lake Natron) with packed lunch. This is about 5 to 6 hours driving. Dinner and overnight at Giraffe eco camp.

Day 2: At very early morning 1:00 a.m. drive to the base of the Ol’doinyo Lengai mountain to start the climb. Reach at the summit during sunrise and spend some time there before coming down to the base of the mountain. From there clients will be transferred by jeep to Giraffe eco camp for shower and rest. Dinner and overnight at Giraffe eco camp.

Day 3: Morning have breakfast then drive back to Arusha or Moshi. This depends on the itinerary.