Ol Doinyo Lengai is a stratovolcano that rises to an altitude of 2870 meters and is located in the Great Rift Valley. To the north of the volcano is Lake Natron and to the south lies the Ngorongoro Crater Range. All around are idyllic landscapes in the heart of which lie small traditional Maasai villages. This impressive peak is revered by the Maasai as the sacred home of God.
Ol Doinyo Lengai or “Mountain of the Gods” in Maasai language, is the only active volcano in Tanzania and can be climbed if you are well prepared, as your endurance and determination will be put to the test during this difficult hike. You will climb steep slopes scattered with ash and loose rock and there will be significant elevation changes along the way. However, once you reach the top, your efforts will be rewarded with breath taking views ! Towards the north, you will see the exceptional landscape of Lake Natron. To the south, you will see the vast savannah of the Ngorongoro Game Reserve and the Highlands. To the west lies a series of forested hills and escarpments of the Rift Valley. And finally to the west rises the imposing Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
The ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai takes about 6 hours and as many hours to descend. It is best done at night to enjoy the sunrise at the summit, but also to avoid the daytime heat, which makes the climb even more arduous.
This trek requires a very good physical condition, although there are no major technical difficulties.
