3 Days Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai Tour
3 Days Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai Overview
Lake Natron and Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai offer superb adventures for travelers ready for an adrenaline rush.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano and the tough night climb is not for the faint of heart: it will challenge you as much as it rewards with stunning views and a fierce confidence boost.
Lake Natron is a deadly alkaline lake that is only inhabited by a few specific species of fish and well-adapted flamingoes. It is the nesting grounds of the Lesser Flamingo, where millions of flamingos hatch every year and the water is crowded with the flamboyant pink birds.
There are also interesting historical sites, like the Hominoid Footprints, embedded in cooled lava, which have been documented by National Geographic and the like.
Accommodation around the Lake Natron area varies from budget camping, middle-grade lodges with swimming pools, to luxury hotels with private pools.
3 Days Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Mtu wa Mbu or Arusha to Ngare Sero, Lake Natron.
Approx: 3-6 hours drive
Visit: “God’s Hole” Crater, village walk to a local Maasai boma, or set up camp
Rest early, the trek begins around midnight.
Day 2: Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai (summit and return same day)
Elevation: 3600 ft (1100 m) to 9442 ft (2962 m)
Distance: 7 miles / 11 km
Ascent: 6-7 hrs, Decent: 4-5 hrs for a total of 10-12 hrs
Your trek will be led by a local Maasai guide, out of respect for the local tribe’s customs. Ol Doinyo Lengai means “Mountain of God” and is a sacred site to the indigenous tribe.
Trek begins around midnight / 1 am and follows a very steep path up the volcano. Some places pass along lava-carved ravines and become rockier and steeper toward the peak. Many climbers ‘scramble’ with hands and feet at the steepest sections.
You will summit around sunrise, with a chance to view the ash cone and feel some of the active steam vents in the volcano.
The descent is very steep, and using trekking poles for balance is highly encouraged. When you reach the
Your safari jeep will meet you at the base of the volcano and drive you back to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Rest day: Waterfall Hike and visit to Lake Natron
Approx: 3-5 hours trek, 1-2 hrs at Lake
Hike Through a shallow river and rocky riverbed to a pleasant waterfall. Bring items for swimming and enjoy a picnic at the falls.
You may not swim in Lake Natron, but are welcome to visit the interesting Hominid Footprints and get photos of the clouds of pink flamingoes across the glassy lake.
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