mountain of god
A steep night climb up the Maasai's sacred, still-active volcano, high above the soda flats of Lake Natron.
Height
About 2,960 m
Location
Near Lake Natron, northern Tanzania
Climb
Steep night ascent from the base
Round trip
Usually 7 to 12 hours
an active volcano
Ol Doinyo Lengai rises from the floor of the Rift Valley in northern Tanzania, just south of Lake Natron. Its name means Mountain of God in the Maa language, and it is sacred to the Maasai who live around it.
It is the only active volcano on Earth known to erupt natrocarbonatite lava. This unusual lava runs at around 500 to 600 degrees Celsius, far cooler than ordinary basalt, and flows almost like water. It looks dark when fresh and weathers to white, which gives the summit its pale, snow-like colour.
The climb starts in the middle of the night, to avoid the heat of the day. After a short drive to the foot of the volcano, you walk by headtorch up a steep slope of loose ash and rock. There are no huts or camps, and the gradient barely eases, so short, regular rests make a big difference.
You reach the crater rim at around sunrise, with views over the Rift Valley and Lake Natron. Coming down is quicker but hard on the knees, and the loose ground makes it the most likely time to slip, so take it slowly and follow your guide.
Most trips include time around Lake Natron. This shallow soda lake is highly alkaline, coloured red and pink by the tiny organisms that live in it, and is the main breeding ground of the lesser flamingo in East Africa.
Near the lake, a walk up the Ngare Sero gorge follows a stream to a waterfall where you can cool off. Wear sandals or shoes that can get wet, as you will cross the stream several times.
Lengai is for fit, confident walkers who do not mind steep, loose ground and a night without sleep. It is not a technical climb, but it is physically hard. Bring good boots, gloves for scrambling, plenty of water, a warm layer for the night and sun protection for the descent.
choose a starting point
9 days · 8 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
10 days · 9 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
8 days · 7 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
9 days · 8 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
6 days · 5 nights
Arusha National Park
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12 days · 11 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
2 days · 1 night
Lake Natron
Price on request
before you ask
Eruptions here are usually small, but the mountain is active and conditions change. Climbs go ahead only when local guides judge it safe, and you must follow your guide's instructions on the crater rim.
The drive to Lake Natron is long, on rough roads for the last part, so most trips spend at least one night near the lake before the climb.
Yes. Lake Natron can be linked with the northern Serengeti or the Ngorongoro highlands, although the roads are slow. We will plan a route that makes sense for your dates.
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