Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain Trek

Two days One Night Oldoinyo Lengai  and Lake Natron Tour

Overview

Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain (2890 metres) is located some 240 kilometres to the Northwest of Arusha town, along the western escarpment of the Great East African Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Natron on the border with Kenya. Ol Doinyo Lengai, or Mountain of God in Maasai, is the only active volcano in Tanzania. Lake Natron which is lying at the base on the Mountain is said to be the only breeding area for the endangered Lesser Flamingoes that live in the Great Rift Valley and it is believed to be the world’s most important breeding site for the Lesser Flamingoes, accounting for 75 per cent of the global population.  You can climb Ol Doinyo Lengai for six hours.

Day 01: Arusha Town to Lake Natron

Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Arusha in the morning and drive you to Lake Natron. The drive is fairly long and you will reach at the campsite in the afternoon around 1pm. You will have your lunch at the picnic site. The scenery on the way is picturesque and you will have an opportunity to see some African wildlife on the way and the Maasai grazing cattle along Zebra and Wildebeest. After your after lunch, you will visit Ngaresero waterfall. After waterfalls you will visit the Lake Natron and later return at the campsite for overnight.

Day 02: Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain

At 1:00 a.m. driver and your guide will take you to the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano for the start of your climb. The footing on the slopes of the volcano can be treacherous, especially in the dark, so follow your guide. The trek is strenuous and it takes between 7 and 12 hours depending on your fitness and resultant pace. The gradient is steep, so it is best to make a short stop with every 100m or so of altitude gained in order to get acclimatized. At the edge of the crater the altitude is 2,960 m. The descent is easier and you may be tempted to move faster. This is, however, the time when most injuries happen, so mind your step! It is also advisable to change your fleece for a sun hat after dawn in order to avoid heatstroke. Our driver will be awaiting you as you return to the foot of the mountain with cold drinks.  Later you will start your journey to Arusha or Mto wa mbu and  Karatu if going to Safari.