Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron, nestled in the East African Rift Valley in Tanzania, form a mesmerizing duo of natural wonders. Known as the “Mountain of God,” Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active volcano globally that erupts natrocarbonatite lava, resulting in a distinctive black-to-white-to-grey appearance. Climbing its rugged slopes offers a challenging adventure with a breathtaking reward – a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and Lake Natron at the summit.
Lake Natron, lying at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, is renowned for its surreal red hue, attributed to high alkalinity and mineral concentrations. This harsh environment is unsuitable for many aquatic species, yet it serves as a crucial breeding ground for lesser flamingos, uniquely adapted to its conditions. The lake’s alkalinity acts as a natural preservative, leading to the striking sight of calcified bird carcasses along its shores.
The landscape around Lake Natron is a photographer’s dream, featuring cracked mud flats and the stark contrast of red water against a blue sky. The reflections of the surrounding cliffs and the volcanic peak enhance the area’s extraterrestrial charm. Despite its seemingly inhospitable nature, the region thrives with life uniquely adapted to these extreme conditions.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron, balancing tourism promotion with ecological preservation. Collaborative initiatives involving local communities, environmentalists, and authorities aim to ensure sustainable practices that allow visitors to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this region without compromising its delicate ecosystems. Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron stand as a testament to the Earth’s geological diversity and the resilience of life in the face of challenging environments, making them a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly extraordinary natural experience.
Day 1: ARUSHA – LAKE NATRON
Day 2: TREKKING TO OL DOINYO LENGAI VOLCANO – ARUSHA
Day 1: ARUSHA – LAKE NATRON
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and drive you to Lake Natron. The drive is fairly long and you will reach Lengai Safari Lodge some time after lunch. At the same time, the scenery on the way is picturesque and you will have an opportunity to see the local people, including Maasai tribesmen, as well as some African wildlife. After your check-in a guide will take you on a walking tour to Ngare Sero waterfall. The trail runs through a gorge and you will sometimes need to ford the stream, so we recommend that you wear sandals or the like to avoid constantly having to take your shoes off. A drive to the lakeshore, where you get a chance to capture its great scenery on camera takes place before you return to the Lodge for dinner and some rest.
Day 2: TREKKING TO OL DOINYO LENGAI VOLCANO – ARUSHA
At 1:00 a.m. driver takes you to the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano for the start of your climb. The footing on the slopes of the volcano can be treacherous, especially in the dark, so follow your guide without overtaking him. The trek is strenuous and takes between 7 and 12 hours depending on your fitness and resultant pace. The gradient is steep, so it is best to make a short stop with every 100 m or so of altitude gained in order to get acclimatized.
It is best to make a break for breakfast on the way to the top in order to regain some strength for the remainder of the climb. At the edge of the crater you will have reached the altitude of 2,960 m. Here, you can actually hear the lava flow inside the Mountain of God crater.
The descent is easier and you may be tempted to move faster. This is, however, the time when most injuries happen, so mind your step! It is also advisable to change your fleece for a sun hat after dawn in order to avoid heatstroke.
Our driver will be awaiting you as you return to the foot of the mountain with cold drinks, ready to drive you back to the town of Arusha.
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