2 days
Mt Ol Doinyo Lengai Tour
Interesting History of Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain
The name Ol Doinyo Lengai comes from the Maasai language and means “Mountain of God.” For centuries, the local Maasai people have considered the mountain sacred, believing it to be the dwelling place of their god, Engai the deity associated with rain, fertility, and life.
Unlike many mountains that are feared because of eruptions, the Maasai respected Lengai as a spiritual force that could both create and destroy life. Elders often performed rituals and prayers near the mountain during droughts or difficult times.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is one of the world’s most unusual volcanoes because it erupts a rare type of lava called carbonatite lava found nowhere else on Earth today.
Most volcanoes produce red-hot lava at temperatures around 1,000°C. Lengai’s lava is much cooler, around 500–600°C, and when it first erupts it can appear black or dark brown, almost like melted mud or oil. As it cools, it turns white from chemical reactions with moisture in the air.
Scientists from around the world travel to Tanzania to study this incredible geological mystery.
How Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain formed...?
Born from a Splitting Continent
Ol Doinyo Lengai was formed because the Earth beneath East Africa is literally pulling apart.
The mountain lies within the massive Great Rift Valley, a huge crack in the Earth’s crust stretching thousands of kilometers across Africa. Millions of years ago, powerful forces deep inside the Earth began slowly separating the African tectonic plate into two smaller plates:
- the Nubian Plate
- the Somali Plate
As these plates pulled away from each other, the crust became thinner and cracked open.
Magma Rising from Deep Underground
When the crust cracked, extremely hot molten rock called magma rose upward from deep inside the Earth through these weak zones.
Over many thousands of eruptions:
- lava flowed out,
- volcanic ash accumulated,
- and layers of cooled material piled higher and higher.
Eventually, these eruptions built the cone-shaped volcano we now call Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Route
Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb
Price per person
1 Person
Price From
$2,475
Per Person
2 – 3 Person
Price From
$ 2,240
Per Person
6 – 10 Person
Price From
$ 2,210
Per Person
11+ Person
Price From
$ 2,150
Per Person
Ol Doinyo Lengai Trek (2 Days)
Day 1
Arrival
Arusha to Lake Natron Scenic Drive & Preparation
Your journey begins with an early morning departure from Arusha, heading north toward the remote and dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
Along the way, you will pass:
- Maasai villages and open savannah
- Volcanic terrain and escarpment views
- Remote wilderness rarely visited by tourists
Arrive at the base area near Lake Natron in the afternoon.
Activities:
- Visit Lake Natron, known for its red colored waters and flamingos
- Optional short hike to nearby waterfalls (like Ngare Sero)
- Cultural interaction with the Maasai community
After an early dinner, you will rest for a few hours before the climb.
Accommodation
Lake Natron Lodge
- HB - Dinner and Breakfast
- Drinks not included
Elevation
Approximately 2,962 meters (9,718 ft) above sea level
Distance
Around 14–18 km round trip
Hiking Time
Usually 6–10 hours total (4–6 hours ascent, 2–4 hours descent)
Habitat
Rift Valley desert like terrain
Day 2
Midnight Trek to Summit & Return to Arusha
Your adventure begins around midnight with a guided trek up Ol Doinyo Lengai, famously known as the “Mountain of God.”
Night Climb Experience:
- Trek under the stars using headlamps
- Steep and challenging ascent (requires determination)
- Quiet, unique atmosphere in the darkness
Summit Experience:
Reach the summit at sunrise and enjoy:
- Incredible views over the Great Rift Valley
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro (on clear days)
- Unique volcanic crater formations
After spending time at the top, descend carefully back to the base.
After the Trek:
- Breakfast and short rest
- Begin your journey back to Arusha
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
Is Ol Doinyo Lengai safe to climb?
Yes, with a guide and proper preparation.
How long does the climb take?
Approximately 5–7 hours up and 3–4 hours down.
Do I need a guide?
Yes, local guides are required for safety.