Mount Ol doinyo Lengai Climb Itinerary – 3 Days / 2 Nights
Tour Overview
Mountain Lenkai (normally known as “Ol’doinyo Lengai”) rises about 2,100 meters above the East African Rift Valley floor to a height approximately 2,880 m. The name Ol’doinyo Lenkai which means “Mountain of God” originates from the Maa language (the Maasai’s language) from Ngorongoro area. The Maasai people conduct prayers to God “Enkai” or “Engai” whom the Maasai believe is the Creator of all things on this active volcanic mountain.
Ol’doinyo Lenkai is the only active volcanic mountain in the East African Rift Valley Region which attracts many geologists from all over the world who come for research. Scientifically, carbonated lava is dark brown upon extrusion, but reacts very rapidly and turns into moisture to hydrate, then to secondary alteration minerals that impart a white colour to the rock.
The Maasai believe that the “white rock” symbolizes the white beards of “Enkai”. Many tourists visit and climb this mountain which is located in Northern Tanzania every year. One should not underestimate this 9,442 feet long mountain, as it needs much determination to climb because of the steep walking.
However, climbing Ol’doinyo Lenkai doesn’t require technical skills to get to the peak. At the summit, the small cones formed by lava can be seen on the crater rim. Despite the fact that Ol’doinyo Lenkai’s volcano erupts frequently there are no records of injuries or deaths. Geologists tell that Ol’doinyo Lenka’s lava is not as hot as other volcanoes lava recorded in the world. It takes three days to the summit of Ol’doinyo Lenkai.
After a climb to Lenkai, the company advices tourists to spend sometime and take a tour around Lake Natron. Lake Natron is the largest lake in East Africa which accommodates numerous flamingos and other birdlife.
Zebras, elephants, giraffes, can be viewed on the walking safari from Ngare-Sero, Engaruka to Loliondo accompanied by armed rangers.
Wildlife: There is little wildlife on this mountain besides small antelope, reptiles, and insects, but birdlife is quite extensive along the routes..
| 3 days 2 nights | Group Size : No size Limit | Pickup : Hotel |
| Tour Type : Hiking | Guides Languages - English | Availability: All Year Round |
Price Includes
- Transport to/from gate
- Park fees
- Professional English
- speaking mountain guide
- Lunch box
- 1,5l bottle of water
- Pick up to the hotel and
- drop off to the hotel after the tour
Tour Excludes
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
Tour Itinerary
Day 0 - ARRIVE IN TANZANIA
Day 1
Depart Moshi town or Arusha city at 7.00 am and drive to Ngaresero village (Lake Natron) with packed lunch. This is about 5 to 6 hours driving. Dinner and overnight at Giraffe eco camp.
Day 2
At very early morning 1:00 a.m. drive to the base of the Ol’doinyo Lengai mountain to start the climb. Reach at the summit during sunrise and spend sometime there before coming down to the base of the mountain. From there clients will be transferred by jeep to Giraffe eco camp for shower and rest. Dinner and overnight at Giraffe eco camp.
Day 3
Morning have breakfast then drive back to Arusha or Moshi. This depends on the itinerary.
