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Ol Doinyo Lengai Trek
Mountain of God: 2-Day Ol Doinyo Lengai Trek
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 2 Day Trek
- Trekking Adventure
From - $950
Route Overview
Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God” in Maasai language, is an active carbonatite volcano in northern Tanzania, standing at 2,962m (9,718ft). Known for its unique white lava flows, this challenging 2-day trek offers adventure seekers a steep, overnight ascent with stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron. Guided by expert Maasai guides, the trek starts at midnight to avoid daytime heat, culminating in a surreal sunrise at the active crater.
- Total Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Starting Point: Engare Sero village (1,550m / 5,085ft)
- Highest Point: Summit (2,962m / 9,718ft)
- Ending Point: Engare Sero village
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Challenging (steep, loose ash)
🌌 Night Trekking
- Elevation: 1,550m to 2,962m | Habitat: Volcanic
- Starlit ascent with headlamps
🌄 Summit Sunrise
- Elevation: 2,962m / 9,718ft | Habitat: Volcanic Crater
- Breathtaking views of Great Rift Valley
🌋 Active Crater
- Unique carbonatite lava flows
- Observe volcanic activity safely
🏞️ Lake Natron Views
- Panoramic vistas of flamingo-filled lake
- Optional visit to Ngare Sero waterfalls
🧑🌾 Maasai Culture
- Interact with local Maasai communities
- Learn about sacred mountain traditions
💪 Physical Preparation
- Cardio: Running, cycling for stamina
- Strength: Leg exercises for steep climbs
- Hiking: Train on uneven, steep terrain
🎒 Essential Packing List
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket for cold summit
- Waterproof, windproof jacket
- Sturdy hiking boots with grip
- Warm hat, gloves, headlamp (mandatory)
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated for -10°C (14°F)
- 20–30L daypack
- Trekking poles for stability
- 3L water capacity
- Sunscreen, lip balm, first aid kit
🚗 Transportation
- 4x4 Land Cruiser from Arusha/Mto wa Mbu to Engare Sero
- Hotel pickup included
🎫 Permits & Fees
- All permits included (park, climbing fees)
- Conservation Fee: $50/day
- Camping Fee: $30/day
🧑 Guides & Porters
- Local Maasai guides for safety and cultural insights
- Porters carry gear, set up camp
- Tipping: $15/day for guides, $8/day for porters
🏞️ Dry Seasons
- June–October: Cool, clear, ideal conditions
- January–February: Warm, dry, less crowded
🌧️ Wet Seasons
- March–May: Heavy rains, slippery ash (avoid)
- November–December: Light rains, manageable
✔️ What's Included
- Private 4x4 transport (Arusha/Mto wa Mbu to Engare Sero & back)
- All permits and park fees
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses)
- Maasai guides and porters
- Meals (dinner, breakfast) and water
- First aid kit
❌ What's Excluded
- Personal climbing gear (rentable)
- Sleeping bags, trekking poles (rentable)
- Snacks, additional drinks
- Optional activities (Lake Natron, waterfalls)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Cultural Add-On: Extra night with Maasai family
- Nature Add-On: Lake Natron birdwatching, waterfall hike
- Adventure Add-On: Extend with Serengeti or Ngorongoro safari
🌍 Conservation & Ethics
Leave No Trace
- Pack out all trash
- Use designated camping areas
Support Local Communities
- Employ Maasai guides with fair wages
- Tip according to local guidelines
Respect Sacred Sites
- Honor Maasai cultural traditions
- Avoid disturbing volcanic features
🌟 Why Book with Dream Trails?
- Expert Guides: Local Maasai expertise
- Unique Experience: Rare carbonatite volcano trek
- Safety: First aid, experienced navigation
- Cultural Immersion: Authentic Maasai interactions
📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us!
2-Day Ol Doinyo Lengai Trek Itinerary
01
Day 1: Arusha to Engare Sero & Preparation
Arusha/Mto wa Mbu → Engare Sero Village
- Elevation: 600m to 1,550m | Distance: 150 km / 93 miles (drive)
- Travel Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Savanna
- 08:00 AM: Depart Arusha/Mto wa Mbu in 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Scenic drive through Great Rift Valley, passing Maasai villages
- Optional stop at Lake Natron for flamingo viewing or Ngare Sero waterfalls (1–2 hours)
- 02:00 PM: Arrive at Engare Sero, set up base camp
- 06:00 PM: Early dinner, trek briefing, rest
Overnight: Engare Sero Camp (full board)
02
Day 2: Night Climb, Summit, and Return
Engare Sero → Summit → Engare Sero → Arusha
- Elevation: 1,550m → 2,962m → 1,550m | Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles (trek)
- Hiking Time: 8–10 hours | Habitat: Volcanic
- 12:00 AM: Begin night trek with headlamps on steep, ashy terrain
- 06:00 AM: Reach summit, witness sunrise over crater and Rift Valley
- 07:30 AM: Descend carefully to base camp
- 11:00 AM: Breakfast and rest at camp
- 12:00 PM: Drive back to Arusha, arrive by evening
End of Tour: Return to Arusha
