Ol Doinyo Lengai & Lake Natron
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.
Lake Natron
Better known for its breath-taking vistas than its limited wildlife, Lake Natron lends itself well to bird watching, as its shallow waters are home to a profusion of water birds such as storks. The lake being a breeding ground for around 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos that congregate on its shores to feast on the blue-green algae, a truly fabulous sight is in store for you. The scenery here is incredible, one of the most spectacular in Africa!
The area is also known for its surrounding villages, mainly consisting of Maasai. Here, travellers are able to enjoy some of the best and most authentic cultural experiences in Tanzania!
DAY 1 - Moshi or Arusha - Oldoinyo Lengai Region (Great Rift Valley)
Activities: Travel (5 hours from Moshi/ 3.5 hrs from Arusha) with sightseeing along the way
Meals: Lunch & dinner
Accommodation : Camping
You will leave your hotel in Moshi or Arusha after breakfast and drive to Mto Wa Mbu, entering the Great Rift Valley, passing via Engaruka basin and into a semi-desert area where you will see two extinct volcanoes, Kitumbene and Gelai off to the right and Ol Doinyo Lengai straight ahead. Around midday, you will arrive at Falls Camp on the banks of the Engaresero River. This is a welcome place to bathe in the river or trek to the nearby waterfalls.
Later in the day, you will have a short rest at Kamakia Camp while waiting for dinner. Thereafter, you will be able to nap a short while before your transfer in the middle of the night to the starting point for your ascension of the Oldoinyo Lengai (approximately 6 hours).
DAY 2 - Ol Doinyo Lengai
Activities: Ol Doinyo Lingai climb
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Camping
You will arrive at the summit in time to enjoy the sunrise and the magnificent views and will spend some time there for resting before your descent. You should be back at the starting point around noon where you will be driven back to the camp for a shower, hot lunch and some well-deserved rest. In the late afternoon, you can discover the surrounding area on foot if you wish, before retiring to Kamakia Campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 3 - Lake Natron - Arusha or Moshi
Activities: Sightseeing / Travel (3.5 hrs to Arusha or 5 hrs to Moshi)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After an early breakfast, you will go on a walking tour around Lake Natron with a local Maasai guide. Better known for its breath-taking vistas than its limited wildlife, Lake Natron lends itself well to bird watching, as its shallow waters are home to over 2 million Lesser Flamingos and a profusion of other water birds. It is truly a fabulous sight ! En-route, you will stop at a Maasai “boma” village where you will experience the rhythm of this nomadic tribe’s daily life and interact with the Massai people to learn about their culture and traditions. Following the cultural tour, you will go back to the campsite for a hot lunch and prepare for the drive back to Arusha or Moshi.
Included in package
- All meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 3
- Drinking water
- English speaking guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel on Day 1 and Day 3. (Airport pick-up can be arranged for an extra cost - Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports)
Not included in package
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Tip for your guides
- Trekking gear