Casting its shadow over Lake Natron, this active volcano lies in one of the most beautiful and rural areas of Tanzania. This mountain is sacred to the Masaai tribe; They named it Oldoinyo Lengai, meaning “Mountain of God”, as they believe it is the home of God.
It is also the only active sodium carbonate volcano in the world. It erupts every 3 years so you might be lucky to see smoke billowing from its peak or even walk across a smoky layer of new ground. A once in a lifetime opportunity, for sure.
The climb to the top is a 4-day journey. The climb is steep but exhilarating. Your efforts will be rewarded on your final day when you watch the day break over Tanzania. From the peak of Oldoinyo Lengai, you will see the sunrise over Mount Meru in the distance and perhaps even mount Kilimanjaro at the very edge of this beautiful country.
Free Facility
Free Facility
Free Facility
Depart Arusha in the morning and travel to Lake Natron. Wild and remote, it is situated at the base of Africa’s only active volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai, known as the “Mountain of God” to the local Maasai people. The area surrounding Lake Natron contains some of the most harsh and amazing scenery in Africa and is utterly breathtaking.
Together with your Guide, you will be accompanied by a local Maasai Guide and walk up to the Engero Sero Waterfalls. Winding up through the shady gorge you will reach a beautiful natural swimming pool surrounded by steep rock walls showered by cascading spring water where you will have the opportunity to swim.
Overnight at the lodge
Lake Natron is one of the most alkaline lakes in the world. Home to millions of tiny crustaceans, the lake is a haven for literally thousands of flamingos and it is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on earth. It is the landscape rather than the animals that is the attraction here, the area around the lake is dry, desolate and hauntingly beautiful.
After breakfast you will walk out across the baked mud to the shores of the great Soda Lake. From here, you can look back at the memorising view of Oldoinyo Lengai standing tall amongst the rolling hills and flat plains. Its ash-grey colour will remind you that this is still an active volcano.
You will return to camp in time for lunch and a leisurely afternoon before enjoying an early dinner and retiring to your tent for some rest.
At approximately 11pm, you will be woken up with tea or coffee and a light snack before meeting your Mountain Guide and beginning your trek into the night.
Your climb will continue into the early hours of the morning before reaching the summit in time to witness the sun rise as it illuminates the Great Rift Valley below. The views are breathtaking. To the north you will see the salt flats of Lake Natron and in the distance, the Kenyan border. To the east you will see Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley and to the south stretches the Ngorongoro Highlands and Ngorongoro Crater.
Together with your Guide, you will explore the peak and enjoy a picnic breakfast before beginning your climb down the mountain where you will be welcomed back with lunch before returning to Arusha where you safari ends upon arrival,you will be transferred to the airport or overnight at the hotel in Arusha.
