4-Day Climb Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain

Overview

For a 3 days climbing experience we recommend Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano of 2.962 meters (9,718 feet). “Ol Doinyo Lengai” means in Maasai language “Mountain of God”. Starting in the lowlands of Lake Natron you will enjoy an exceptional moonscape hiking with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding valley. This trek is geared towards hikers that prefer less crowds and a challenging ascent.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival

Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our guides that will drive you to your accommodation in Arusha where you will be able to relax after a long journey. Then prepare for your trekking experience in this active volcanic mountain.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Natron

We will pick you up at your Lodge/hotel around 9:00am and drive you to Lake Natron, located seventy miles away from Arusha in the arid and beautiful Rift Valley. This alkaline lake is inhospitable by most wildlife apart from flocks of flamingos that rise above the water in rosy formation. In fact, the lake is the primary breeding ground for lesser flamingo in East Africa, with more than two million individual birds gathering to the area every year. After lunch you will be able to enjoy a nice walk around the lake and a magical sunset. We suggest an early dinner and ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.

Day 3: Ol Doinyo Lengai (2962 meters) Hiking duration: 8 to 10 hours

You will start your hike right after midnight to reach the summit of the volcano in time for the most amazing sunrise you’ll probably ever experience in your life. The ascent takes from 5 to 7 hours and the trek is physically demanding but once you will reach the top you will get a breathtaking 360° view over Lake Natron and the truly astonishing surrounding landscape that looks belonging to Mars. The descend will take you 2 to 3 hours. Once arrived our driver will get you back to your accommodation for a well-deserved relaxation time, dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Lake Natron to Arusha

After breakfast you will do walking safari to the lake southern shores across the mudflats to see the lesser flamingo flocks and enjoy the beautiful lake scenery with the impressive view of Ol Doinyo Lengai on the background. This walk along the lake will provide you stunning photo opportunities. You will then return to the camp and after lunch you will be driving back to Arusha.