Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano in northern Tanzania that offers fit and adventurous souls a very challenging night-time hike. The reward: a sunrise view of the volcano crater from its rim as well as a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape!
Climbing Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai under the moonlight in the remote savannah of northern Tanzania is a truly unforgettable experience. It’s also a very challenging, steep climb that will reward you not only with epic views but also an immense sense of pride that you accomplished East Africa’s most difficult one-day climb!
Ol Doinyo Lengai sits just next to the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. So it's part of the intersection between the highlands and the great plain below. It's also only a stone's throw from Lake Natron and the Ngare Sero waterfall.
Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano in northern Tanzania, and so has a large crater at the summit. The highest point of the crater rim is 3,188 m (10,459 ft) above sea level. You start the climb at an elevation of roughly 1,100 meters (3,600 ft). This means you climb two vertical kilometres to reach the top!
The climb involves a fairly straight climb to the crater rim, followed by a long descent back to the starting point. It's a very steep climb and ascent, and so isn't for the fainthearted!
Ol Doinyo Lengai is also quite unusual for being a night-time climb. Only the descent is done in the daylight. As we discuss in a bit, this is to avoid the worst heat of the day. Setting off at around midnight adds an extra layer of adventure to the whole affair! Another special thing about an Ol Doinyo Lengai climb is that you're at the top of the mountain – or near to it – when the sun rises. From the rim you gaze down into the yawning crater mouth. The smell of sulphur can be strong. This is an active volcano, after all!
Ol Doinyo Lengai is very near to the Equator and so the region is very hot much of the time. The temperature often climbs above 30℃. To avoid climbing in the heat, you’ll start the hike a little after midnight.
Everyone wears headlamps to help them navigate the climb, even when there’s moonlight. The aim is to reach the top by sunrise, and enjoy the spectacular views brought on by the rising sun! You’ll then descend the mountain during the morning hours, usually reaching the base at around noon. The sunlight is helpful with the tricky descent.
You’ll then trot on off back to your accommodation for a shower or swim followed by lunch and a nap during the highest heat of the day.
The ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai typically takes between four to six hours, depending on your fitness level. The descent usually takes about the same amount of time. In total, the entire climb can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on your pace and physical condition.
This climb is considered quite difficult. The incline is steep—very steep in some areas—which can be both physically challenging and mentally taxing, especially on the way down. Trekking poles are highly recommended to help navigate the tricky sections.
There are areas with loose scree and volcanic ash, making slipping and sliding likely. In some parts, you’ll need to scramble on your hands and knees during the ascent. On the descent, many people find themselves sliding down on their backsides—it’s all part of the experience!
Because the climb begins at night, you’ll be ascending in the dark with only your headlamp to light the way. This can actually be a blessing, as you won’t see how far you still have to go. However, most hikers agree that the descent is more difficult due to the steepness and slippery terrain.
Absolutely! Reaching the rim rewards you with incredible views of the entire Lake Natron area and the unique volcanic crater. Even if the summit is cloud-covered, you’ll still enjoy beautiful vistas from other parts of the mountain.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active carbonatite volcano on Earth, making it a geological wonder. The remote and dramatic landscape adds to the magic—green during the wet season, and dry and harsh during the dry season. You might even witness the red hues of Lake Natron caused by algae!
No, the hike must be done with a local Maasai guide. The Maasai consider Ol Doinyo Lengai a sacred mountain and are the only ones authorized to lead climbs.
Climbing any mountain comes with risks, and this is no exception. However, guides only lead hikes if the volcano is calm and the weather conditions are safe. It’s important to understand that the guide is in charge and may call off the climb for safety reasons at any point. In such a case, there are no refunds.
You can climb Ol Doinyo Lengai year-round. The region is dry and located near the Equator, so temperatures stay relatively steady. June to August are the coolest and driest months, making them the most popular for climbing. Average daytime highs are around 25°C, with chilly nights dropping to around 14°C.
In the dry season, you might see Lake Natron turn red—an unforgettable sight. If you prefer green landscapes and blooming flowers, consider climbing between January and March.
From Lake Natron or Ngare Sero village, it’s a 30-minute to one-hour drive to the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai, depending on road conditions. Though it’s only 20 km from the lake, the road is rough and requires slow driving.
To reach Lake Natron itself, expect a 4–5 hour drive from Lake Manyara. In the dry season, you can also drive from the northern Serengeti, which also takes a few hours.
There are several accommodation options near Lake Natron and Ngare Sero village, ranging from budget lodges to luxury camps. One great option is Lake Natron Camp, which offers eco-friendly glamping and easy access to the Saitoti River—a refreshing treat after your hike.
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