2 Day Ol Doinyo Lengai Night Climb
A strenuous midnight climb up Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania's active Mountain of God, to watch the sun rise over the Rift Valley and Lake Natron.
- Duration
- 2 days
- Route
- Arusha – Mto wa Mbu – Lake Natron – Ol Doinyo Lengai – Lake Natron – Arusha
- Start / end
- Starts and ends in Arusha (pick-up and drop-off at your hotel)
- Best time
- The dry season from about June to October and December to February is usually best, as rain makes the ash slopes slippery and the access road difficult.
- Trip style
- Private adventure trip in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with driver-guide and a local mountain guide, staying one night in a tented camp near Lake Natron.
Tour overview
Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai Mountain of God, is one of the most remarkable volcanoes on Earth. Rising steeply above the Rift Valley floor near Lake Natron, it is still active and erupts a rare type of lava that cools almost white. Climbing it by night to reach the crater rim at sunrise is one of Tanzania's toughest and most memorable short adventures.
The trip begins with a scenic drive from Arusha through Mto wa Mbu and across remote Maasai country to Lake Natron, where you can walk to see the flamingos and nearby waterfalls before resting. Around midnight you start the steep ascent by headlamp, climbing loose ash slopes to watch dawn light up the Rift Valley, Lake Natron and, on clear mornings, Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
This climb is strenuous and suited to fit, experienced hikers who are comfortable on very steep, loose ground. It is also popular as an adventurous add-on before or after a safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
Highlights
- Night climb of an active volcano sacred to the Maasai
- Sunrise from the summit over the Rift Valley and Lake Natron
- Views into the crater of Ol Doinyo Lengai (conditions permitting)
- Scenic drive through remote Maasai country via Mto wa Mbu
- Flamingos on the shores of Lake Natron
- Experienced local guides who know the mountain well
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arusha to Lake Natron
Leave Arusha in the morning and drive to Mto wa Mbu, then continue north on a rough road across dry, wide-open Maasai country, about 4 to 5 hours in total. Ol Doinyo Lengai's perfect cone soon rises ahead of you. After lunch at camp, walk with a local guide along the Ngare Sero River to its waterfalls, or out to the lakeshore to see flamingos feeding in the shallows. Return for an early dinner and a final briefing, then rest for a few hours before the night climb.
Day 2Night climb to the summit and return to Arusha
Wake around 11 pm and drive about 45 minutes to the trailhead. Shortly after midnight begin climbing by headlamp up very steep slopes of loose ash and rock, about 5 to 6 hours with roughly 1,700 meters of ascent. Reach the summit at dawn to watch sunrise over the Rift Valley and, if conditions allow, look into the active crater. The descent takes about 3 to 4 hours and is hard on the knees. After brunch and a shower at camp, drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
What is included
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with driver-guide from Arusha and back
- Experienced local Ol Doinyo Lengai mountain guide
- Lake Natron area village and conservation fees
- Climbing fees for Ol Doinyo Lengai
- 1 night in a tented camp near Lake Natron as listed or similar
- Meals as listed, including a packed snack for the climb
- Drinking water throughout
- Guided walk to the Ngare Sero waterfalls or Lake Natron shore
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guides and camp staff
- Drinks at camp
- Headlamp, trekking poles and personal gear
- Personal items
Good to know
- This is a strenuous climb on steep, loose ground; good fitness and previous hiking experience are essential.
- Bring a good headlamp, gaiters, sturdy boots, trekking poles, gloves and at least 3 liters of water for the climb.
- Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano, and climbs may be shortened or cancelled at short notice if volcanic activity or weather make it unsafe.
- Temperatures at Lake Natron can be very hot during the day, so plan to rest in the afternoon before the climb.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Ol Doinyo Lengai climb?
It is one of the toughest short climbs in Tanzania. The slope is very steep and covered in loose ash, so every step requires effort, and the descent is hard on the knees. It is best suited to fit, experienced hikers.
Why do we climb at night?
Starting at midnight avoids the intense daytime heat of the Rift Valley and lets you reach the summit at sunrise, when the views are clearest. It also means you are off the mountain before the hottest part of the day.
Can I combine this with a safari?
Yes. Lake Natron can be linked with the Serengeti via the Loliondo area or with Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Ask us about adding the climb to a longer safari.
