Ol Doinyo Lengai rises to about 2,960 metres above the plains south of Lake Natron. Its name means “Mountain of God” in Maa, and it is sacred to the Maasai. It is an active volcano, and the only one in the world known to erupt natrocarbonatite lava, which is black when it flows and turns white within days.
The climb
| Summit | About 2,960 m |
|---|---|
| Ascent | About 5–7 hours, from around midnight |
| Descent | About 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Very steep and demanding |
| Base | Lake Natron or Engaresero |
Climbers start around midnight to avoid the heat and reach the crater rim for sunrise. The slope is relentlessly steep, often over 40 degrees, on loose ash and rock. There are no switchbacks for much of the way. The descent is hard on the knees.
What you see
- Sunrise over the Rift Valley, Lake Natron and, on clear days, Kilimanjaro.
- The active crater, with hornitos and fresh lava flows when the volcano is active.
Safety
- Climb only with an experienced local guide.
- Check current volcanic activity before you go. Access to the crater may be restricted.
- Bring good boots, gloves, a headlamp, plenty of water and trekking poles.
- It suits fit, experienced hikers. It is not a beginner’s climb.
Combine with
Lake Natron’s flamingos and the Engare Sero waterfall walk. Read about Lake Natron and flamingos in Tanzania, or ask us to add Lengai to the Northern Loop.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It is an active volcano that erupts unusual natrocarbonatite lava.
Very hard. It is a steep night climb of 5–7 hours on loose ash, for fit and experienced hikers.
Mountain of God, in the Maasai language.
