Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai Mountain of God
A night climb up an active volcano, with sunrise over the Rift Valley and Lake Natron. One of Tanzania’s most unusual adventures.
Rising alone above the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Ol Doinyo Lengai is a perfect cone of grey ash. Its name means “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, and it is still active. It is also the only volcano on earth known to erupt a rare, cool, black lava that turns white as it cools in the air.
A climb by starlight
The lower slopes are hot and exposed, so the climb begins around midnight. You walk by headlamp up a steep path of loose ash and rock, with the stars overhead and the dark plains of the Rift Valley spread out below. It is demanding: the slope is steep all the way, and the descent can be harder than the climb.
This trek suits fit, confident walkers. Good boots with ankle support, walking poles and plenty of water make a big difference.
Reaching the crater rim as the sun comes up over the Rift Valley is a moment that makes every step worth it.
Sunrise at the crater
You reach the rim at dawn. Inside, the crater floor steams and crackles, and on a clear morning the view stretches across the valley to Lake Natron and the highlands beyond, sometimes all the way to Kilimanjaro.
Wide lake shores and mudflats in the Rift Valley.
Lake Natron
Most climbers stay near Lake Natron, a shallow soda lake at the foot of the mountain. It is the most important breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa, and the shores are often pink with birds. Nearby, short walks lead to waterfalls in a narrow gorge, perfect for cooling off after the climb.
Lengai is an adventure for those who want something truly different. Talk to us about adding it to your safari or Kilimanjaro trip.