Mount Oldoinyo Lengai

Mountain Lenkai (normally known as “Ol’doinyo Lengai”) rises about 2,100 meters above the East African Rift Valley floor to a height approximately 2,880 m. The name Ol’doinyo Lenkai which means “Mountain of God” originates from the Maa language (the Maasai’s language) from Ngorongoro area. The Maasai people conduct rituals to God “Enkai” or “Engai” whom the Maasai believe is the Creator of all things on this active volcanic mountain.

Ol’doinyo Lenkai is the only active volcanic mountain in the East African Rift Valley Region which attracts many Geologists from all over the world who come for research. Scientifically, carbonated lava is dark brown upon extrusion, but reacts very rapidly and turns into moisture to hydrate, then to secondary alteration minerals that impart a white color to the rock. The Maasai believe that the “while rock” symbolizes the white beard of “Enkai”.

Many tourists visit and climb this mountain which is located in Northern Tanzania every year. One should not underestimate this 9,442 feet long mountain, as it needs much determination to climb because of the steep walking. However, climbing Ol’doinyo Lenkai doesn’t require much technical skills to get to the peak but the scramble is quite demanding. At the summit, the small cones formed by lava can be seen on the crater rim. Despite the fact that Ol’doinyo Lenkai’s volcano erupts frequently there are no records of injuries or deaths. Geologists tell that Ol’doinyo Lenkai’s lava is not as hot as other volcanoes lava recorded in the world. It takes three days to the summit of Ol’doinyo Lenkai.

After the climb to Lenkai, the company advicess tourists to spend sometime and take a power shower tour around Lake Natron. Lake Natron is the largest lake in East Africa which accommodates numerous flamingos and other bird life.Over 4 million chicks are hatched on small dunes erected by the flamingos themselves within and above the Lakes alkaline waters.This insures the protection of their eggs and young chicks from predators.

Zebras, elephants, giraffes, can be viewed along the drive way and on the walking safari from Ngare-Sero, Engaruka to Loliondo accompanied by armed rangers.

Day 2:

At very early morning 3:00 a.m. drive to the base of the Ol’doinyo Lengai mountain to start the climb. Reach at the summit during sunrise and spend sometime there before coming down to the base of the mountain. The views of the landscape of Ngorongoro’s craters seen from this peak are in-comparable stunning. From there clients will be transferred by jeep to the Kamakia campsite. Dinner and overnight at Kamakia camp.

Day 3: Breakfast then drive back to Arusha or Moshi. This depends on the itinerary.