Ol Doinyo Lengai: the Mountain of God that breathes snow

Just short of 3000 metres above sea-level, Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred mountain of the Masai towers above the remote plains south of Lake Natron in Tanzania’s Arusha region.

The local Masai respect it as holy Mountain of God and home to their God Ngai, geologists study the mountain for its unique lava and travellers attempt to capture its mystic aura in photographs.

Now and then, the imposing giant starts to grumble, sending tremors across the lands all the way to Kenya. Recent activities monitored by geologists show, that an eruption can be expected soon.

Let’s have a closer look!

Ol Doinyo Lengai’s lava is one of a kind

Ol Doinyo Lengai is known among geologists for its natro-carbonatite lava, in fact it is the only known active volcano in the world erupting this kind of lava. While it is thinner and more fluid than the fiery red lava rich in silicate minerals, it is most easily distinguished by its colour: Ol Doinyo Lengai’s lava is black!

This unusual black colour results from its composition and the comparably low temperature at which it erupts. While basalt based lava erupting from volcanos in Hawaii reach scorching 1100 degrees Celsius, the Mountain of God’s cough appears rather cool at about 510 degrees Celsius.

Once it gets in contact with moisture, the lava turns white. Looking at Ol Doinyo Lengai with unsuspecting eyes, you might think its peak is covered in snow, while in fact it is black lava turned white.

While you can climb the mountain, you need to be prepared for a tough hike: once in contact with rain, the decomposed lava rocks turn brittle and crumble easily, making the steep ascent all the more demanding.

Mount Ol donyo Lengai Trekking – 3 Days / 2 Nights

Duration: 3days

US$ 675

includes transport to the parks and back, accommodation, park entry fee, camping fees, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, food, cook, driver/guide,and transfers according to itinerary.

Day 1: Depart Moshi or Arusha at 7.00 am and drive to Ngaresero village (Lake Natron) with packed lunch. This is about 8 hours driving. Dinner and overnight at Kamakia camp.

Day 2: At very early morning 1:00 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. From there clients will be transfered by jeep to Kamakia camp for shower and rest. Dinner and overnight at Kamakia camp.

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

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