Mount Ol doinyo Lengai is active volcanic mountain in which the composition of the lava may contain much more silicate material. With this type of eruption, initial phases of the eruption may include strong lava fountains but usually there is no fluid lava and ash eruptions accompanied by ejection of rocks and explosions occurs. The most recent eruptions occurred in 1966-1967 and 2007-2008. Almost without fail, about every seven years Ol doinyo Lengai erupts and plumes of smoke billow out of the crater. At other times it is possible to walk down into the crater, almost to the edge of the molten lava flows.
The Views on the northern from its summit crater lies the hot barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretch into the distance, beyond lies the Kenyan border. The day temperatures by the lake often exceed 40°C and a few animals survive here with the flamingo making its home here as breeding grounds, nesting on the salty surface on upraised mounds. The view on the east is dominated by Mt Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments and hills comprising the western slopes of the Great African Rift Valley. If you are lucky you can see the petrified birds and animals around the Lake natron area.
To the south stretches the Crater Highlands, Ngorongoro being one of the prime wildlife conservation areas in Africa.
The ascent of Ol doinyo Lengai is demanding on account of the day time heat, lack of water, steep and unstable slopes of ash and crumbly rocks. An early start is recommended and the best approach is from the west where the morning sun can be avoided for a while.
Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God,” is a sacred site for the Maasai people who believe that the god Eng’ai dwells within the majestic landmark, triggering eruptions and drought when she is dissatisfied. The Maasai honor their God with a long pilgrimage to the mountain to celebrate her blessings of rain, cattle and children, and women who are unable to have children are taken to the mountain by elders to receive the Eng’ai’s blessing of motherhood. The power of Ol Doinyo Lengai captures every safari visitor on a Great Rift Valley safari in Lake Natron. Since it was first described by German explorers at the end of the 19th century, the mountain has drawn thousands of climbers, geologists and photographers during their safari expeditions in Africa.
Your trekking tour of Ol Doinyo Lengai with BookmySafary.com takes you to the base of the 7650-foot summit that rises above the arid Rift Valley and dominates its landscape with eerie formations created by the unique natrocarbonatite flow in the previous eruptions. Every rugged trip to Ol Doinyo Lengai offers a once-in-a-lifetime geological journey through nature’s own volcanic sculptures. When you include the Mountain of God in your adventure holidays to Tanzania, you should bring some essential items for your comfort and safety. The climb is quite challenging, though not compared to Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, with the ascent on some parts crawling on hands and feet taking at least six hours and the descent taking at least four hours. Climbs up the mountain begin at night, so you should have a headlamp and wear layered clothing as the temperature rises during the day. Take the time during your climb to gaze at the stunning star-filled sky! Other items that you should bring for your climbing vacation to Tanzania are energy bars, climbing stick, gloves and hiking shoes that have a good grip.
Day 1: Moshi or Arusha – Lake Natron (Ngare Sero).
Departing from your hotel Moshi or Arusha in the morning we drive to Mtu wa Mbu (Lake Manyara) for lunch. After lunch you drive north along the bottom of the Great Rift Valley wall to Lake Natron and the village of Ngare Sero at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai. Overnight at a campsite by the lake.
Day 2: Lake Natron – Ol Doinyo Lengai.
From Lake Natron to Ngare Sero is a 3-hour walk. Lengai is best approached from the west. Between Ngare Sero and Lengai’s lower slopes is another 3 hours walk. The vehicle will go on ahead here so that it is there to take you up this large gully; saving you at least 6 hours of additional walking. Overnight camp in the gully.
Day 3: Ol Doinyo Lengai summit and back to Lake Natron campsite.
A very early start in order to gain as much height as possible in the cool of the morning. Sun hats and a large water in-take are essential. Descend by the same route. Great care should be taken on the way down: loose volcanic gravel on bare rock makes it perilous going in places. Bringing trekking poles are very helpful. Overnight at the Lake Natron camp site.
Day 4: Lake Natron – Moshi or Arusha Town.
Departing after breakfast we return back to Moshi or Arusha town where you will be returned to your hotel.
