Ol’Doinyo Lengai

The ‘Mountain of God’

“Ol’doinyo Le Ngai” is a Maasai term meaning “Mountain of God“. This mountain is the only active volcano in East Africa. Volcanic activity on the mountain has been observed from as far back as 1883, and it is still active today. The Oldoinyo Le Ngai mountain reaches a height of approximately 9442 feet. The Crater Highlands are part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is a reserve where the local communities live alongside the wildlife. The highlands consist of a range of Volcanoes-not all extinct-rising steeply from the side of the Great Rift Valley in Northern Tanzania. 

Hence they are more than JUST the Ngorongoro Crater with a number of impressive peaks, with steep escarpments, crater lakes, dense forests and grassy ridges, streams and waterfalls. one volcano the Ol-Doinyo-Lengai (2878m) is even active! It is also home to many Maasai people who have grazed cattle on the grasslands here for hundreds of years. Most walking is done at around the 3000mts mark. There are many options though available to the adventurous.

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1:  Arusha – Lake Natron (Ngare Sero)

Departing Arusha in the morning you 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 – Ngare Sero to 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 and so saving you at least 6 hours of 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. Overnight at the Lake Natron camp site.

Day 4:  Lake Natron – Arusha Town

Departing after breakfast you drive back to Arusha town. Drop-off.

Will you climb the Ol’Doinyo Lengai?

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