Mt. Ol Doinyo Lengai

"Oldoinyo Lengai," translating to "Mountain of God" in the Maasai language, is a remarkable active volcano. Rising 2,962 meters above sea level, its summit offers a unique vantage point into the caldera of Tanzania's only active carbonatite volcano. The volcano has been erupting intermittently since 1883, with its largest eruption sending ash clouds as far as 120 km from Arusha and reaching 100 km toward Loliondo, near the Kenyan border.

Situated in northern Tanzania, Oldoinyo Lengai is positioned just south of the alkaline Lake Natron, within the Great Rift Valley and Maasai land. It holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, being considered a sacred site by the Maasai people. From the peak, the expansive salt plains of Lake Natron can be seen stretching northward, while the southern view reveals the Crater Highlands and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. To the east, Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon, and to the west, the forested slopes of the Rift Valley rise.

The mountain erupts roughly every seven years, with smoke often billowing from its crater. Adventurous hikers can trek across the crater floor, though the climb to the summit is physically challenging due to the heat, lack of water, loose ash, rocky terrain, and significant altitude gain. Most climbers start their ascent at dawn to reach the summit by sunrise. The temperatures at the summit can be chilly before dawn, so wearing long pants, a light jacket, and appropriate footwear is recommended. The path from the northwest side of the mountain allows climbers to descend while still in the shadow of the peak, making for a cooler and more comfortable descent.