Ol Doinyo Lengai, is a Maasai name meaning the “Mountain of God” is an active volcano positioned in the Gregory Rift, south of Lake Natron in the Arusha Region of Tanzania.
Ol Doinyo Lengai mountain is part of the volcanic system of the great East African Rift Valley and it distinctively produces Natrocarbonatite lava a highly fluid lava that is much cooler than other lavas and contains practically no silicon.
From its summit crater, you will have majestic views in the north of the salt base of Lake Natron spread into the distance with a pink-colored flamingo covering the grounds, past lies the Kenyan border.
From the east, the view is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro, and west the forested escarpments and diverse hills comprise the western slopes of the Great African Rift Valley and from the south is the Crater Highlands of Ngorongoro one of the prime wildlife conservation areas in Africa.
The Ol doinyo Lengai climb is so demanding due to the daytime heat, unstable slopes of ash, its steepness and powdery rocks, and lack of water, an early morning climb is recommended and the best approach is climbing from the west where the morning sun can be avoided for a while.
Day 0
Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a dreamscape Travel representative, and transfer you to Moshi/Arusha town where you will spend the first night at the hotel.
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 41 km)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 1
Moshi/Arusha to Lake Natron
After breakfast you will have comprehensive briefing about your safari then depart from Moshi or Arusha city and transfer to Lake Natron campsite, the transfer takes around seven hours, once arrived you will be able to freshen up at the camp and then pay a visit NgareSero amazing Waterfalls which go downhill to the west of Lake Natron Nguruman Escarpment. Then we will make our way back to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2
Lake Natron
After a morning breakfast, you will depart camp and make way to Lake Natron, an alkaline lake that serves as the prime breeding place of Lesser Flamingoes which the ones make home here are almost three-quarters of the flamingo world’s population.
After enjoying the tour of Lake Natron, you will go back to the camp to get mostly required rest before you start trekking up the mountain around midnight.
Day 3
Lake Natron to Moshi/Arusha
Climb to Ol doinyo lengai mountain will start at midnight and it will take approximately of six hours until you reach the peak, just in time to witness the remarkable sunrise as its lights illuminate the Great Rift Valley.
During your trekking to Ol doinyo lengai, you will be escorted by a well-experienced and native Maasai guide. After exploring the stunning view at the peak of Ol doinyo lengai mountain, you will descend the mountain where you’ll meet your driver for a transfer back to the camp to freshen up and get a well-deserved rest.
Afterward, we will drive back to Arusha or Moshi City through Ngare Sero Maasai village where you will be able to pay a visit to the Maasai bomas and experience their ways of life.
Departure
After a much-needed nights rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 41 km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Price includes:
- Transportation from & to Kilimanjaro international airport
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Camping and kitchen facilities
- Wages of professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, crew fees and all government tax
- Warm water for washing every day
- English speaking mountain guide and assistant.
- All meals while on the mountain
- First Aid Kit includes Oxygen Kit
- 2 nights at the hotel (accommodations); one before and after the trek
Price excludes:
- Tips
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Any private expenses
- Personal gear rentals
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional tours (short safari after your climb etc.)
- Local and international flights
- A doctor for the group