3 Days Mount Oldonyo Lengai Climb

From a geological point of view, freshly erupted carbonated lava is dark brown, but it quickly reacts with moisture and alters into secondary minerals that bleach the rock surface, giving it a white appearance. The Maasai associate this “white rock” with the white beard of Enkai, their deity.

Every year, many travellers head to Northern Tanzania to trek this mountain. Do not be misled by its height of 9,442 feet — although it does not require technical climbing expertise, the ascent is steep and demands strong willpower. At the top, you can see small lava cones scattered around the crater rim. Even though Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano with frequent eruptions, there are no known incidents of fatalities or injuries. Geologists explain that its lava is significantly cooler than lava from most volcanoes worldwide. Typically, it takes three days to hike to the summit.

After completing the climb, visitors are usually encouraged to explore nearby Lake Natron — the largest lake in East Africa and an important habitat for flamingos and other bird species.

On walking safaris from Ngare-Sero and Engaruka to Loliondo, travellers may encounter wildlife such as zebras, elephants, and giraffes, under the protection of armed rangers.