2 Days Ol Doinyo Lengai Hike
overview
Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano is located in one of the most beautiful regions of Northern Tanzania, near Lake Natron, where hundreds of thousands of pink flamingos migrate annually. Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique among active volcanoes in East Africa and globally, as it produces natrocarbonatite lava, also known as “cold lava.” This lava is dark brown or black when liquid and has a water-like fluidity. Although its temperature is much lower than typical lava, it is still quite hot, ranging from approximately 510-600°C. Over the past century, Lengai has erupted about 15 times, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2013. Thankfully, Ol Doinyo Lengai’s eruptions have caused no casualties due to the volcano’s relatively small size and its distance from nearby Maasai villages.
In the morning, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Lake Natron. The journey is quite long, and you will arrive at Lake Natron Camp sometime after lunch. However, the scenic route offers picturesque views, with chances to see local people, including Maasai tribesmen, and various African wildlife. After checking in, a guide will take you on a walking tour to Ngare Sero Waterfall. The trail passes through a gorge, requiring occasional stream fording, so we recommend wearing sandals to avoid repeatedly removing your shoes. Before returning to the lodge for dinner and rest, you will drive to the lakeshore to capture its stunning scenery on camera.
At 1:00 a.m., your driver will transport you to the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano to begin your climb. The volcanic slopes can be challenging, especially in the dark, so it’s important to stay close to your guide and not pass them. The hike is demanding and can take between 7 to 12 hours, depending on your fitness level and pace. Due to the steep incline, it’s advisable to take brief breaks every 100 meters of altitude gained to help with acclimatization.
It’s a good idea to have a breakfast break on the ascent to recharge your energy for the climb. By the time you reach the crater rim at 2,960 meters, you will be able to hear the lava flowing inside the “Mountain of God.” The descent is easier, but many injuries occur during this phase, so watch your step. Also, after sunrise, switch your fleece for a sun hat to prevent heatstroke.
Upon your return to the base of the mountain, our driver will be there with cold drinks and will take you back to the camp for a quick shower and lunch before heading back to Arusha.
Inclusion | Excluded |
---|---|
Park fees | International flights |
All game drives & activities | Personal items & arrangements |
All accommodations | Additional accommodations |
A professional driver/guide | Tips |
All transportation | Some meals |
All Meals | |
All Drinks | |
All Taxes/VAT | |
Permission for the ascent | |
Fees of local communities on Lake Natron | |
Accommodation in Lake Natron Camp (full board and drinks) | |
Services of Maasai guide for the climb to the top of Lengai |
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