Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb

OVERVIEW

The Ol Doinyo Lengai climb is one of Tanzania’s most thrilling day adventures, taking you up the country’s only active volcano and the sacred “Mountain of God” to the Maasai people. Rising sharply from the Great Rift Valley floor to nearly 2,890 meters, Lengai offers a challenging yet unforgettable experience. Unlike Kilimanjaro’s gradual slopes, this climb is steep and rugged, rewarding trekkers with unmatched views of Lake Natron, surrounding volcanoes, and the endless savannah below. The mountain is also geologically unique — it’s the only volcano in the world that erupts carbonatite lava, cooler and darker than typical magma. Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai is a journey for the bold, combining adventure, culture, and raw natural beauty.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb

Depart late at night (around midnight) from your camp near Lake Natron and drive to the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai. Meet your local Maasai guide and begin the ascent under the starlit sky. The climb typically takes 5–7 hours, with several short rest stops along the way. As dawn approaches, reach the summit in time to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Rift Valley — an awe-inspiring reward after a steep and demanding trek. Spend some time exploring the crater rim and capturing photos of the smoking vents before beginning your descent. Return to the base by mid-morning, where your driver awaits with refreshments. After a short rest, visit the nearby Lake Natron area or waterfalls before returning to camp in the afternoon.

Highlights:

Night climb and sunrise summit
Breathtaking views over Lake Natron and the Rift Valley
Experience an active volcano
Cultural connection with the Maasai people

Accommodation	N/A
Meal Plan	Lunch

Included (typical safari)

Transport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver guide
Park entrance fees and government taxes
Local lunch experience
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip

Not included

International flights and travel insurance
Tanzania visa fees
Tips for guide and driver
Personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, or additional meals

Book This Tour

BOOKING PROCESS & PAYMENT

Inquiry

Tell us your travel dates, interests, group size and budget.

Proposal

We send a tailor-made itinerary and quote.

Confirmation

30% deposit (or as agreed) secures bookings and permits; balance due before travel.

Final details

We provide a detailed travel pack with meeting points, packing list and permit info.

HEALTH, SAFETY & PRACTICALS

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate may be required for some routes/entries; check up-to-date requirements.

Malaria

Malaria prophylaxis recommended in many areas — consult your doctor.

Travel insurance

Strongly advised for medical, evacuation and trip cancellation.

Kilimanjaro

Good fitness and proper acclimatization required. We provide trained guides and support crew.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & CONSERVATION

We follow strict wildlife viewing distances and codes of conduct.
We work with trusted local suppliers and invest in community projects where possible.
We minimize waste, avoid single-use plastics where practical and support park conservation initiatives.