3 DAYS MOUNT OLDOINYO LENGAI TREKKING
3 Day Mount Ol donyo lengai and Lake Natron safari Experience
Join us for a special 3-day safari adventure to Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron in Tanzania. You'll experience the beauty of the Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, known as the "Mountain of God," with its unique black and gray lava. Discover Lake Natron, a remarkable lake filled with lots of pink flamingos and sparkling waters that stand out in the dry surroundings.
This journey also lets you explore the fascinating Maasai culture with local guides. Hike to the top of Ol Doinyo Lengai for a breathtaking sunrise, and explore the wild terrain around Lake Natron to see its diverse wildlife and untouched nature.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Tanzania's natural world, where every moment is filled with wonder and new discoveries. Join us for this unforgettable 3-day trip that combines the mystique of Ol Doinyo Lengai and the allure of Lake Natron, creating memories that will stay with you forever.
Mount Ol donyo Lengai Overview
Ol Doinyo Lengai, known as "The Mountain of God" in the Maasai language, is a unique volcano in Tanzania. It's the only active volcano in this area and is often called the strangest volcano on Earth. It's special because it erupts carbonatite lava, which is different from most volcanoes.
Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai is quite challenging due to its steep slopes and scorching daytime heat. The best time to climb is at night when it's cooler. You can see a breathtaking sunrise at the top and come back down before it gets too hot.
3 Day Ol donyo lengai + Lake Natron tour detailed Itinerary
Ol donyo Lengai Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Lake Natron
On the first day, you'll leave Moshi or Arusha early in the morning and head to Camp at Lake Natron. The journey will take about seven hours. When you arrive, you can freshen up and then visit Ngare Sero Waterfalls, which flow down from the Nguruman Escarpment west of Lake Natron. After exploring the waterfalls, you'll return to the camp for dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Lake Natron
After breakfast, you'll go to Lake Natron, a special lake that's a major nesting place for most of the world's Lesser Flamingoes. After checking out Lake Natron, you'll return to the camp to rest up before your midnight mountain trek.
Day 3: Ol Doinyo Lengai Trekking to Arusha/Moshi
Your climb starts at midnight and will take about five to six hours to reach the summit, where you'll witness a spectacular sunrise over the Great Rift Valley. You'll be guided by an experienced Maasai guide during the climb. After exploring the peak, you'll descend the mountain to the base, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the camp for rest and freshening up. Then, you'll be transferred back to Arusha/Moshi, passing through Ngare Sero Maasai village, where you can visit Maasai homes and learn about their way of life.
🌋 Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai – FAQs
1. Where is Lake Natron located?
Lake Natron lies in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border within the Great Rift Valley. It sits beneath the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The area is remote, wild, and incredibly scenic — ideal for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
2. Why is Lake Natron famous?
Lake Natron is world-famous for its vivid red and pink soda waters, caused by high salinity and microorganisms. It’s also the main breeding site for East Africa’s lesser flamingos, which gather by the thousands to nest along the shores. The surreal landscapes and reflection views make it a photographer’s paradise.
3. Can you swim in Lake Natron?
No — swimming in Lake Natron’s main waters isn’t recommended because of the extreme alkalinity and high temperatures (up to 60°C). However, travellers can swim in nearby freshwater streams and waterfalls, such as Engare Sero Waterfall, located a short hike from most lodges or camps.
4. What makes Ol Doinyo Lengai unique?
Known as the “Mountain of God” in Maasai culture, Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active carbonatite volcano in the world. Its lava flows at relatively low temperatures, creating striking black formations. The mountain is also a sacred site for local Maasai communities, adding cultural depth to the trekking experience.
5. Can visitors climb Ol Doinyo Lengai?
Yes, adventurers can hike to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai, but it’s a challenging overnight climb that requires fitness, stamina, and an early morning start (often at midnight). The trek rewards you with spectacular sunrise views over Lake Natron, the Rift Valley, and the distant Serengeti plains.
6. When is the best time to visit Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai?
The dry season (June to October) is ideal for visiting Lake Natron, offering clear skies and easy hiking conditions. The wet season (November–May) brings more water, lush vegetation, and active flamingo nesting — perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
7. What kind of wildlife can I see around Lake Natron?
Lake Natron supports an impressive array of birdlife — especially lesser flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory species. You may also encounter zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, ostriches, and gazelles roaming the surrounding plains. The combination of wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and Maasai villages makes it a rich cultural and natural destination.
8. How do I get to Lake Natron?
Travellers can reach Lake Natron via road safari from Arusha, Mto wa Mbu, or Serengeti, depending on their itinerary. The drive is scenic but rough — a true African adventure through Maasai villages, Rift Valley escarpments, and dry riverbeds. A fly-in option to nearby airstrips can be arranged for greater comfort and time savings.
9. What activities can I do at Lake Natron?
Popular activities include:
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Flamingo and bird watching
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Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai
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Hiking to Engare Sero waterfalls
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Cultural visits to Maasai villages
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Sunrise and sunset photography
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Exploring fossilised footprints believed to be thousands of years old