Oldoinyo lengai” means “the mountain of god” in the Maasai language. The summit of this strato-volcano is 2962 metres above sea level, and affords direct views into the caldera of Tanzania’s only officially-certified active volcano, and the world’s only carbonatite volcano; records of eruptions have been maintained since 1883, the largest of which deposited ash 100 kilometers away in Loliondo on the Kenyan border to the north west.

It is located in northern Tanzania lying just south of lake natron in the rift valley, in the heart of Maasai country, and locally regarded as a sacred mountain. Looking north from its summit crater, the hot barren salt flats of lake natron stretch into the distance. To the south stretch the crater highlands and the Ngorongoro game reserve. The eastern horizons dominated by Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments and hills comprising the western slopes of the rift valley. Every seven years lengai erupts and plumes of smoke billow out of the crater. 

This tour starts and ends in moshi/arusha. Alternatively, this tour can start and end in Dar es salaam and we can book additional accommodation and internal flights upon request This tour is a private trek and run exclusively for you and can depart any day.

This tour offers non-participation, full service camping including the following equipment; all- Seasons 2-person tents, mattress and pillow with the option to upgrade your accommodation to Moivaro tented camp in lake natron This tour can be customised to suit your needs perfectly. Ask us for a tailor-made itinerary, created just for you.

Trip highlights: Venture to the wild, remote and hauntingly beautiful lake natron Watch the sun rise from the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai.

Depart Moshi/Arusha in the morning and travel to Lake Natron. Wild and remote, it is situated at the base of Africa’s only active volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai, known as the “Mountain of God” to the local Maasai people. The area surrounding Lake Natron contains some of the most harsh and amazing scenery in Africa and is utterly breathtaking.
Together with your Guide, you will be accompanied by a local Maasai Guide and walk up to the Engero Sero Waterfalls. Winding up through the shady gorge you will reach a beautiful natural swimming pool surrounded by steep rock walls showered by cascading spring water where you will have the opportunity to swim.
Overnight – Full Service Camping, Lake Natron
Upgrade Your Accommodation – Moivaro Tented Camp, Lake Natron 

Lake Natron is one of the most alkaline lakes in the world. Home to millions of tiny crustaceans, the lake is a haven for literally thousands of flamingos and it is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on earth. It is the landscape rather than the animals that is the attraction here, the area around the lake is dry, desolate and hauntingly beautiful.

After breakfast you will walk out across the baked mud to the shores of the great Soda Lake. From here, you can look back at the memorizing view of Oldoinyo Lengai standing tall amongst the rolling hills and flat plains. Its ash-grey color will remind you that this is still an active volcano.
You will return to camp in time for lunch and a leisurely afternoon before enjoying an early dinner and retiring to your tent for some rest.

At approximately 11pm, you will be woken up with tea or coffee and a light snack before meeting your Mountain Guide and beginning your trek into the night.
Overnight – Full Service Camping, Lake Natron
Upgrade Your Accommodation – Moivaro Tented Camp, Lake Natron 

Your climb will continue into the early hours of the morning before reaching the summit in time to witness the sun rise as it illuminates the Great Rift Valley below. The views are breathtaking. To the north you will see the salt flats of Lake Natron and in the distance, the Kenyan border.

To the east you will see Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley and to the south stretches the Ngorongoro Highlands and Ngorongoro Crater.

Together with your Guide, you will explore the peak and enjoy a picnic breakfast before beginning your climb down the mountain where you will be welcomed back with lunch before returning to Moshi/Arusha where you safari ends upon arrival.