Can You Feel the Call of Adventure and the Great Outdoors?
Design a tour that fits your style. Click to begin
Ol Doinyo Lengai Trek
4 Days Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb – "The Mountain of God"
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 4 Day Trek
- 2,962 m Summit
From - $950
Overview
Journey to the heart of the Great Rift Valley to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai (2,962 m) — the only active carbonatite volcano in the world and one of Tanzania's most sacred natural wonders. Known as the "Mountain of God" by the Maasai, this steep and dramatic volcano offers a challenging night ascent, breathtaking sunrise views over Lake Natron, and landscapes unlike anywhere else in Africa. This 4-day adventure blends culture, geology, and exploration, starting and ending in Arusha. With Dream Trails Expeditions, you enjoy safe guiding, cultural encounters, and an unforgettable mountain experience.
- Route: Arusha → Lake Natron → Ol Doinyo Lengai Summit → Lake Natron → Arusha
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Difficulty: Challenging (very steep ascent and descent)
- Accommodation: Lodges / camps near Lake Natron
- Transport: 4x4 transfers throughout the entire trip
- Guide: Professional mountain guides + Maasai cultural guides
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Start / End: Arusha, Tanzania
- Conquer the world's only active carbonatite volcano
- Summit at sunrise with views stretching over Lake Natron and the Rift Valley
- Explore the shores of Lake Natron, home to East Africa's flamingos
- Visit Ngare Sero Waterfalls, a refreshing oasis in the valley
- Experience authentic Maasai culture and traditions
- Capture dramatic volcanic landscapes and panoramic desert views
Although Ol Doinyo Lengai is not extremely high, the climb is steep and physically demanding. Dream Trails Expeditions ensures:
- Evening rest before the night ascent
- Hydration-focused preparation during Lake Natron stay
- Slow and controlled climbing pace on the steep upper slopes
- Guide support for the technical volcanic scree sections
- Early descent planning to avoid intense midday heat
Arrival & Transfers
Meet your Dream Trails guide in Arusha for briefing and gear check, then transfer by 4x4 to the Lake Natron region.
What to Pack
- Comfortable trekking pants and moisture-wicking clothing
- Warm layers for summit night
- Strong hiking boots (good grip is essential)
- Headlamp (mandatory for night ascent)
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Hydration: 2–3 liters recommended
Travel Documents
- Valid passport
- Tanzania tourist visa (if required)
Health & Safety
Your climb includes:
- Experienced Ol Doinyo Lengai guides
- First-aid kit and summit support
- Safety briefing for steep sections
- Adequate rest before and after summit attempt
- June – October & December – February: Best weather, clear skies, cooler nights.
- March – May: Rainy season — slippery slopes, not recommended.
- ✅ All 4x4 transfers from Arusha to Lake Natron and return
- ✅ Full board accommodation during the entire trip
- ✅ Professional local mountain guides
- ✅ Park fees & village fees around Lake Natron
- ✅ Lake Natron tour (waterfalls + flamingos)
- ✅ Drinking water and hot beverages
- ✅ Pre-trek briefing and support
- ❌ International flights
- ❌ Visa fees
- ❌ Personal climbing equipment
- ❌ Travel insurance
- ❌ Tips for guides
- ❌ Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Add a cultural tour in a traditional Maasai boma
- Add extra nights at Lake Natron for photography or relaxation
- Combine with a wildlife safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire)
- Add a professional photographer for summit night
- Upgrade to luxury Lake Natron lodges
- Local Expertise: Experienced Lengai guides who understand the terrain
- Unique Adventure: The only place in the world to climb an active carbonatite volcano
- Safe and Supported: Controlled pace, expert guidance, and thorough preparation
- Cultural Depth: Authentic Maasai experiences around Lake Natron
- Scenic Excellence: Spectacular Rift Valley, volcanic slopes, and sunrise summit views
4 Days Ol Doinyo Lengai Trek – The Mountain of God
01
Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha & Transfer to Lake Natron
Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha → Lake Natron
- Distance / Time: ~300 km | 6–8 hours drive
- Habitat: Urban / Rift Valley semi-desert
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your Dream Trails Expeditions representative.
- Transfer to your lodge in Arusha for check-in, relaxation, and a pre-trek briefing with your guide.
- After lunch, drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Natron, spotting Maasai villages and extinct volcanoes.
- Arrive at camp near the lake, famous for its alkaline waters and flamingo flocks; enjoy sunset views of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Overnight: Lake Natron Campsite (600 m)
02
Day 2 — Ol Doinyo Lengai Summit Night Trek
Route: Lake Natron Camp → Lengai Base (1,800 m) → Summit (2,886 m) → Base
- Distance / Time: 8 km | 7–9 hours round trip (midnight start)
- Habitat: Arid scrub → volcanic ash slopes
- Early dinner and rest at camp; wake at midnight for tea and biscuits before driving to the trailhead.
- Begin the steep, demanding ascent under starlight with a Maasai guide – the "Mountain of God" reveals its unique natrocarbonatite lava glow.
- Reach the active crater rim at sunrise for panoramic views of the Rift Valley, Lake Natron, and distant Kilimanjaro; descend by mid-morning.
- Return to camp for a hot shower, brunch, and relaxation amid the wild, dusty landscape.
Overnight: Lake Natron Campsite (600 m)
03
Day 3 — Lake Natron Exploration & Return to Arusha
Route: Lake Natron → Engaresero Waterfalls → Arusha
- Distance / Time: Short 1–2 hours walk | 6–8 hours drive
- Habitat: Alkaline lake / riverine gorge
- After breakfast, hike to the hidden Engaresero Waterfalls for a refreshing swim in the cool river pools.
- Optional cultural visit to a Maasai village for insights into local traditions and herding life.
- Depart mid-afternoon for Arusha, arriving in time for a celebratory dinner and rest.
Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)
04
Day 4 — Departure from Arusha
Route: Hotel → Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive
- Relaxed morning with breakfast at your hotel.
- Depending on flight time, optional souvenir shopping in Arusha before airport transfer.
- Depart with unforgettable memories of Tanzania's strangest volcano and its sacred landscapes.
End of Tour ✨
