Ol Doinyo Lengai hike
Tanzania’s volcano summit for adventurous trekkers
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Lake Natron
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Ol Doinyo Lengai
Making up the northern tip of a mountain triangle that includes Kilimanjaro and Meru, Ol Doinyo Lengai (2,962m) is a live volcanic cone whose distinctive shape and billowing volcanic smoke have made it a holy mountain for the Maasai people of Tanzania and Kenya...
Most trekkers in Tanzania think Kilimanjaro is the big challenge – after all, it’s Africa’s highest mountain and it’s a minimum six day round trip. So they’re surprised when I tell them Kili is nothing compared to climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai, a free-standing active volcano that dominates Lake Natron and the Rift Valley in the country’s far north.
On paper this is a simple day hike – up and back down in one go. But failure rates here are higher than on Kilimanjaro, thanks to its fiercely steep slopes, largely on loose scree and volcanic ash.
You depart around 11pm in order to climb during the cooler nighttime hours and reach the summit in time for sunrise, then turn around and head back down the same way. It’s a gruelling climb but the reward upon reaching the summit is a panoramic view of the Great Rift Valley, the nearby Lake Natron, and even Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Need to know
You can climb Ol Doinyo Lengai year-round, but the best hiking conditions are during the dry months of January to February and again in June to October.
I’ve done this climb four times and my main piece of advice is to prepare yourself well. You must be fit and ready for a challenge. Good quality hiking boots are essential and a sturdy walking pole would help. Bring a change of clothes because you’ll be drenched in sweat at the top and will feel freezing cold. And of course you need several litres of water and plenty of food. This should be arranged for you if you go with a trekking operator.
Key information
| Destinations | Ol Doinyo Lengai |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife |
 Season |
January - October |
Featured tours
Suggested itinerary
Arusha to Lake Natron
Day 1 in Lake Natron
- Distance: ~6-hour drive from Arusha (240 km / 149 miles)
You'll depart Arusha early in the morning and travel through the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Natron, an alkaline lake known for its high salinity and the large numbers of flamingos it attracts, particularly during breeding season. Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation, whether a campsite or a lodge, situated close to the lake.
In the afternoon, you might take a guided walk to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls, a welcome contrast to the surrounding arid environment, offering a cool and refreshing stop. The evening provides an opportunity to admire views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s only active volcano.
Night Summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai
Day 2 in Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Distance: ~14 km (8.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10–12 hours (6–8 hours ascent, 4 hours descent)
- Elevation: Start at ~800m (2,625 ft), summit at 2,962m (9,718 ft), and descend back to ~800m.
You'll begin the ascent shortly before midnight, aiming to reach the summit by sunrise. The climb is demanding, with steep gradients and uneven terrain, including loose volcanic ash and rocky sections, requiring careful footing. However, the challenging trek is rewarded with panoramic views of the Rift Valley, Lake Natron, and the surrounding landscapes as dawn breaks. At the summit, take in the striking active lava formations of Ol Doinyo Lengai, an extraordinary geological feature unique to this region.
After enjoying the view, descend back to the base in the morning and return to your campsite or lodge for rest and recuperation. Later, you will drive back to Arusha and arrive in the evening.
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