Ol Doinyo Lengai — The Mountain of God
Ol Doinyo Lengai — The Mountain of God
Ol Doinyo Lengai, rising to 2,962 m (9,718 ft) in northern Tanzania, is famously known as the “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language. Located at the southern edge of Lake Natron within the East African Rift Valley, it’s the only active volcano on Earth that erupts natrocarbonatite lava—a rare sodium- and potassium-rich magma far cooler and more fluid than any other known lava . While most volcanoes produce red-hot molten rock, Lengai’s lava erupts at just 500–600 °C, flows more like oil, and quickly turns chalk-white upon cooling—a phenomenon seen nowhere else in the world .
A Geological One-of-a-Kind
Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only volcano actively erupting natrocarbonatite lava, a magma so unusual that it behaves like flowing water and rapidly oxidizes to white ash—unlike any other volcano on Earth .
A Sacred Mountain to the Maasai
For the Maasai people, Lengai is hallowed ground—believed to be the dwelling of their god Engai, who uses thunder, lightning, and volcanic activity to communicate. Traditional ceremonies and folklore still honor this cultural legacy .
Spectacular Hike at Dawn
Trekking the volcano typically involves a strenuous, night-time ascent to reach the summit by sunrise. Climbers witness a breathtaking vista of Lake Natron, the Rift Valley, and—on clear days—Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru beyond .
Vibrant Surroundings & Wildlife
The barren slopes contrast sharply with the biodiverse landscapes below. Lake Natron, home to hundreds of thousands of lesser flamingos, lies nearby. The surrounding savannahs also support giraffes, zebras, impalas, and over 350 bird species, providing rich wildlife experiences.
Active Science Frontier
As a rare natural source of carbonatite lava, Lengai draws significant geological and geochemical research. Scientists study its unusual magma system and evolving crater structure for insights into magma chemistry and Earth processes—while regular monitoring methods help mitigate volcanic hazards
As a rare natural source of carbonatite lava, Lengai draws significant geological and geochemical research. Scientists study its unusual magma system and evolving crater structure for insights into magma chemistry and Earth processes—while regular monitoring methods help mitigate
2–3 Day Trekking Itinerary to Ol Doinyo Lengai
Day 1 – Arusha → Lake Natron
- Depart from Arusha or Moshi early morning—scenic drive through Maasai lands and Rift Valley vistas (~6–7 hrs)
- Afternoon visit to Lake Natron (famous for flamingos) and Ngare Sero Waterfalls—ideal for cultural interactions and wildlife shots
- Overnight at lakeside camp with dinner, gear briefing, and rest before the climb Day 2 – Midnight Summit Ascent & Return
- Begin the trek around midnight to conquer steep slopes of volcanic ash and scree by sunrise
- Reach summit (~2,962 m) in early morning and experience surreal sunrise views over the Great Rift Valley, Crater Highlands, Lake Natron, and possibly Mount Kilimanjaro
- Return to base and head back to Arusha/Moshi by late afternon
