Ol Doinyo Lengai

Overview

Ol Doinyo Lengai, located in North Tanzania near Lake Natron, offers a unique volcanic experience. Set against the backdrop of Lake Natron, where flocks of pink flamingos frequent, this volcano is distinct for producing natrocarbonatite lava, often referred to as “cold lava.” Unlike traditional lava, it has a dark-brown or black appearance in its liquid state and flows with the fluidity of water. Notably, its temperature is lower, ranging from approximately 510-600°C. Despite erupting around 15 times in a century, the last occurrence was in 2013. Due to its modest size and distance from nearby Maasai villages, eruptions pose minimal threat to human life

Full Itinerary

Day 1: ARUSHA – LAKE NATRON

Depart from your chosen Hotel/Lodge in the morning for a scenic drive to Lake Natron. Arrive at Lengai Safari Lodge in the afternoon, and after lunch, embark on a walking tour to Ngare Sero waterfall. Traverse a gorge, occasionally fording streams, and capture the picturesque scenery. Drive to the lakeshore, photographing the breathtaking views, before returning to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 2: TREKKING TO OL DOINYO LENGAI VOLCANO – ARUSHA

Commence the climb to Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano at 1:00 a.m. The challenging trek takes 7 to 12 hours, depending on fitness and pace. The steep gradient necessitates short breaks for acclimatization with a stop for breakfast en route. Reach the crater’s edge at 2,960 m, where you can hear the lava flow inside the Mountain of God crater. Descend cautiously, and upon returning to the base, our driver awaits with cold drinks for the journey back to Arusha.