Ol Doinyo Lengai is often misspelled because of its complex name. The mountain stands at about 2,890 meters above sea level. It is located north west of Arusha, about 240 kilometers away. The mountain sits in the Great Rift Valley and looks over Lake Natron. The Maasai people consider this mountain sacred and call it the Mountain of God.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active volcano in this area. Records show that it erupts every twenty to forty years. Known eruptions happened in 1966, 1983, 1993, and 2007. The lava here is special and becomes white when it touches water. The mountain has two craters. One crater is dormant and covered with volcanic ash. The other crater is active and about 200 meters deep.
Trekking Ol Doinyo Lengai
Reaching the summit of Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai takes about six hours. From the top, you can see wide views of the rift valley and Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its highlands and crater. Trekking is controlled because the volcano is still active. Hikes are usually done at night due to high daytime temperatures that can reach 40 degrees Celsius.
When conditions allow, hikers may reach the summit and go close to the crater. This depends on volcanic activity and safety rules at the time of the hike. The route is steep and requires good fitness. Guides are always used to ensure safety and proper timing.
Lake Natron & Flamingos
Lake Natron lies on the foothills of Ol Doinyo Lengai. It is the only breeding area for lesser flamingos in East Africa. The lake is shallow, about three meters deep, and has very warm water. Its soda content supports algae that flamingos feed on. The area around the lake is hot and dry, so preparation is important.
What to Pack
When planning a trek to Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai, pack carefully and keep items light.
- Clothing and footwear
- T shirts
- Long sleeved shirts
- Shorts
- Light long trousers
- A jacket or jumper
- Scarf
- Heavy gloves for the wet season
- Underwear
- Cotton socks
- Pyjamas
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- A hat or cap
Important Items
- ATM bank cards or credit cards
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lotions
- Lip balm
- Torch or flashlight
- Mosquito repellent
- Vaccination certificates where needed
- Safari itinerary copy
- Some cash in small bills
- Passport and travel documents
- Flight ticket
- Insurance documents
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes and tissue paper
Equipment & Health
- Camera with batteries and memory cards
- Snacks
- Toiletries
- A small medical kit with first aid items such as treatment for stomach upsets, headaches, burns, allergies, food poisoning, anti malaria medicine, and sleeping pills. Always talk to your doctor and carry only what they advise.
Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai offers a unique trekking experience for travelers who want to explore geology, culture, and nature in northern Tanzania.
