Soaring majestically infront of the crimson coloured lake Natron, is the 2960 m high Ol Doinyo Lengai. The Name ‘Ol Doinyo Lengai’ is a masai term for the “ Mountain of God’. Believed to have been formed 1250 years ago. The volcano is the only active volcano in the East Africa region. The mountain has in the recent times shown signs of volcanicity with the latest eruptions having taken place in 2007- 2008. Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique for being the only volcano in the world that emits natrocarbonatite lava that contains very little silicate. The lava is highly fluid and has a viscosity almost equal to that of water. Though not as high as Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, Ol doinyo lengai can be classified as difficult to climb. The mountain is very steep and hikers will have to be physically fit to summit to the peak. However, the climb is really worth it for the mountain has very incredible features and offer the best viewpoint for some of the outstanding natural formations in Tanzania. There is only one route to the summit of Ol doinyo lengai.

Ol doinyo lengai trek

The Ol Doinyo Lengai trail starts at the north western base of the mountain at an altitude of 1100 m. Usually referred to as the ‘western trail’, the route follows an extremely steep 5 km long trail to attain 1860 m elevation. This will be quite an exhausting climb, but the slow pace makes it attainable by hikers of all levels of experiences. It takes 7- 9 hrs to summit at 2960 m a.s.l and descend. The climb, in most instances, starts after midnight to enable climbers to ascent in the morning when the view of the peak is exemplarily alluring, and the sun is not too hot. Lake Natron area is extremely hot and a daytime ascent would be very exhausting. However, you can take an early morning hike and relax off the scorching sun in a campsite on the southern crater and take the final ascent in the evening. During the climb at ol doinyo lengai you will need trek poles to enable you to hike through the steep inclinations and slippery ground because of volcanic ashes. You must also be prepared to climb in some places crawling on your hands and knees. As you reach the crater rim, you will detect the sulphurous odor emanating from the main vent. The peak is a rugged rocky tower reached after a tough 30 minutes rock scrambling task. The caldera at the summit is possibly the most perfect crater you can find in Africa, with a well shaped 300 m wide vent and a depth of about 130  m. Even though this vent haven’t had a vigorous eruption in the recent times, climbers can sight new carbonite eruption at the bottom or building up cones. Hikers at the summit spend some moment walking round the cone in full view of the surrounding sceneries.

 The southern crater is another important feature on the mountain you should consider on descent.

Although the ol doinyo lengai is a day trek, you’ll need to arrange accommodations in the nearby Engare Sero village since the trek begins at night. The accommodation facilities here are mostly in the budget and mid range tier. Lake Natron camp and Masai Giraffe eco lodge are among the accommodation options available.

Shorter trails in Ol donyo Lengai

Engare Sero Waterfall hike

Engare sero waterfall hike is a short trail to Engare sero gorge at the base of Ol doinyo lengai. The hiking takes about 2- 3 following a 5 km long return trail leading through Masai villages, a scenic river valley and through a picturesque gorge. The Engare sero water splash gushes down a towering cliff, straddling a lush, desolated forest. Trekkers on this trail can hike to the top of the cliff and enjoy the sweeping view of lake Natron and the Masai villages on the lower reaches. The waterfall also has a water plunge pool where you can swim.

When to go trekking at Ol doinyo Lengai

 Lake Natron region is a semi arid area, and the mountain can be hiked all round the year. However, there are occasional downpour and the guide could recommend a descent before summiting or rescheduling of the hike in case of bad weather. Climbing when its rain could be quite tedious as the ground is quite slippery and the fact that the hike is at night.