Ol Doinyo Lengai Ascension & Lake Natron
Ol Doinyo Lengai is a stratovolcano that rises to an altitude of 2870 meters and is located in the Great Rift Valley. To the north of the volcano is Lake Natron and to the south lies the Ngorongoro Crater Range. All around are idyllic landscapes in the heart of which lie small traditional Maasai villages. This impressive peak is revered by the Maasai as the sacred home of God.
Ol Doinyo Lengai or “Mountain of the Gods” in Maasai language, is the only active volcano in Tanzania and can be climbed if you are well prepared, as your endurance and determination will be put to the test during this difficult hike. You will climb steep slopes scattered with ash and loose rock and there will be significant elevation changes along the way. However, once you reach the top, your efforts will be rewarded with breath taking views ! Towards the north, you will see the exceptional landscape of Lake Natron. To the south, you will see the vast savannah of the Ngorongoro Game Reserve and the Highlands. To the west lies a series of forested hills and escarpments of the Rift Valley. And finally to the west rises the imposing Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
The ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai takes about 6 hours and is only done at night. This is to be able to enjoy the sunrise at the summit, but also to avoid the daytime heat, which makes the climb even more arduous.
Although there are no major technical difficulties, this trek requires a very good physical condition.
Lake Natron
Better known for its breath-taking landscapes than its limited wildlife, Lake Natron is a great place for bird watching, as its shallow waters are home to many water birds and are a breeding ground for the millions of Lesser Flamingo that gather on its shores. A truly fabulous sight!
The scenery in this area is fantastic and definitely not to be missed when travelling to Tanzania.
The area is also known for its surrounding villages, mainly consisting of Maasai. Here, travellers are able to enjoy some truly authentic cultural experiences, far away from the hoards of tourists that are seen in other parts of the country.
Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi or Arusha – Great Rift Valley
You will leave your hotel in Moshi or Arusha after breakfast and drive to Mto Wa Mbu (around 5 hours from Moshi or 3.5 hrs from Arusha), entering the Great Rift Valley. From there, you will continue on to the Lake Natron/Ol Doinyo Lengai region, passing through a semi-desert area where you will see several extinct volcanoes.
You will arrive at your campsite (Giraffe Eco Lodge Campsite or similar) at around midday. Here you can take a dip in the pool before going on a short visit to the nearby Maasai village while waiting for dinner. Thereafter, you will have a few hours to sleep before being transferred at around midnight to the starting point of your trek.
You will be accompanied by a Maasai guide throughout your ascension.
Day 2: Ol Doinyo Lengai & Kamakia Waterfalls
You will arrive at the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai in time to enjoy the sunrise while celebrating your success and taking pictures of the magnificent panoramas! You will then begin your descent which will take around 6 hours. Your driver will be waiting for you at the starting point of your trek, ready to take you back to the camp for a shower, hot lunch and some well-deserved sleep.
In the afternoon, you will discover the surrounding area with your Maasai guide who will take you on short but spectacular hike through the gorges, ending at Kamakia waterfalls. Here you will have time to swim and relax before heading back to the camp.
Day 3: Lake Natron – Arusha or Moshi
After an early breakfast, you will go on a walking tour around Lake Natron with a local Maasai guide. Better known for its breath-taking vistas than its limited wildlife, Lake Natron lends itself well to bird watching, as its shallow waters are home to over 2 million Lesser Flamingos and a profusion of other water birds. It is truly a fabulous sight !
You will also discover other parts of this beautiful area and maybe get a chance to spot some wildlife such as zebra, buffalo and gazelle, all of which are common in the area.
Following the tour, you will go back to the campsite for a hot lunch and prepare for the long drive back to Arusha or Moshi.
Included in package
- Transportation in a 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser with an English-speaking driver/guide
- All meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 3
- Camping accommodation for 2 nights
- Drinking water
- English-speaking Maasai guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel on Day 1 and Day 3
Not included in package
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Travel / Health insurance
- Tip for your guides
- Trekking gear (ex. hiking boots, walking sticks, head lamp, warm clothing)
