Ol Doinyo Lengai (The Mountain of God)
3-Day Expedition | Lake Natron | Active Volcano Ascent
Day 1: Into the Rift Valley
- Morning Departure: We pick you up in Arusha in a private 4×4. The drive takes us off the paved roads and into the rugged, dusty plains of the Great Rift Valley.
- Afternoon Lake Natron: After checking into our camp, we head to the shores of Lake Natron. This caustic, crimson lake is the only regular breeding ground in East Africa for 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos.
- The Waterfall Walk: We take a guided walk up the Ngare Sero Gorge to a hidden waterfall a perfect place to cool off before the big climb.
- Early Rest: Dinner is served at 6:30 PM. You will go to bed immediately, as the climb begins in the middle of the night.
- Stay: Ngare Sero Lake Natron Camp (Luxury Tented).
Day 2: The Midnight Ascent & The White Lava
- 00:00 AM The Start: We drive to the base of the volcano. The climb begins in the dark to avoid the brutal heat of the sun.
- The Climb: This is a “Vertical Scramble.” There are no switchbacks; you climb directly up the steep ridges of volcanic ash and rock.
- 06:00 AM The Summit (2,962m): We reach the crater rim exactly at sunrise. The view is unlike anything else on Earth—you can see the active steaming vents (hornitos) and the strange, white carbonatite lava flows that look like snow.
- The View: To the North, you see Lake Natron; to the West, the Salei Plains; and to the East, the distant peaks of Kilimanjaro and Meru.
- The Descent: We head back down before the midday heat becomes dangerous.
- Afternoon: Return to camp for a celebration lunch and a long, well-deserved nap.
- Stay: Ngare Sero Lake Natron Camp.
Day 3: The Maasai Plains to Arusha
- Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the “Mountain of God” you just conquered.
- Maasai Cultural Visit: We visit a local boma to learn how the Maasai coexist with this active volcano and the harsh environment of Natron.
- Return Journey: We drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for your hotel drop-off.
- 4×4 Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle from Arusha to Lake Natron and back (essential for the rugged Rift Valley roads).
- Professional Guides: Specialized volcano guides and a certified UNFOLD mountain guide.
- Community Fees: All Lake Natron “Village Office” fees and WMA (Wildlife Management Area) entry permits.
- Activities: Guided walk to the Ngare Sero waterfalls and a lakeside sunset tour to see the flamingos.
- Accommodation: 2 nights at a luxury tented camp or specialized campsite near the base.
- Meals: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3.
- Personal Porter: Unlike Kili, porters are not standard for Lengai. If a client needs one to carry their camera gear, it is an extra cost.
- Climbing Gear: Headlamps are mandatory for the midnight start and are not provided.
- Staff Tips: Customary tips for the driver-guide and the local Maasai volcano guides.
- Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and sodas at the camp.