Tanzania
2 Days Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb from Lake Natron
Starts in Arusha · Ends in Arusha
At a glance
Overview
Climb Tanzania’s active volcano, the “Mountain of God” of the Maasai, through the night to watch sunrise from the summit at about 2,960 m. The climb is short but steep and tough, on loose ash and rock. The day before, you drive down the Rift Valley to remote Lake Natron and walk to the Engare Sero waterfall or the flamingo shore.
- Duration
- 2 Days
- Country
- Tanzania
- Start / end
- Arusha to Arusha
- Places visited
- Arusha · Lake Natron · Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Best time
- June–October and December–February (drier months)
- Price
- On request
Key inclusions
- Exclusive 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide
- Full board on safari
- Airport pick-up
Places you'll visit
Route
- Arusha
- Road Lake Natron
- Road Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Road Lake Natron
- Road Arusha
Day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: Arusha – Lake Natron
Leave Arusha in the morning and drive north through Mto wa Mbu and across the floor of the Rift Valley — a long, dusty, beautiful road past Maasai villages, with Ol Doinyo Lengai rising ahead.
In the afternoon a local guide leads a walk up the Engare Sero gorge to its waterfall, or to the shore of Lake Natron, where flamingos gather in large numbers in some seasons. Early dinner and a few hours of rest before the climb.
Overnight
Overnight at a lodge or camp at Lake Natron.
Meals
Lunch Dinner
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Day 2: Ol Doinyo Lengai – Lake Natron – Arusha
Set off around midnight for the base of the mountain. With head torches and your mountain guide you climb steep ash slopes for roughly five to six hours to reach the crater rim for sunrise, with views over the Rift Valley, Lake Natron and, on clear days, Kilimanjaro.
Descend carefully (around three hours), rest and have brunch back at camp, then drive back to Arusha.
Meals
Breakfast Lunch
End of the safari.
Where you stay
Accommodation
Good to know
What's included
What's included
- Park entrance and conservation fees for every park in the itinerary
- Exclusive transport in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as listed in the day-by-day plan
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day plan (full board while on safari)
- Drinking (mineral) water in the vehicle during game drives
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport)
- Local mountain guide and climbing fees for Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Village and walking fees at Lake Natron
What's not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water in the vehicle
- Personal items such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (for example a hot-air balloon flight)
- Hiking boots, head torch and warm layers (bring your own)
Photos
Gallery
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When can I do this safari?
We run this itinerary all year round. Tell us your preferred travel dates and we will plan the safari around them.
How much does this safari cost?
Prices are on request. Your quotation depends on your travel dates, group size and choice of accommodation — send us an enquiry and we will prepare a free quote for you.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Yes. Our safaris are tailor-made — we can adjust the number of days, the lodges and the activities to suit you. Tell us what you would like to change when you enquire.
What's included in this safari?
Highlights of the inclusions: exclusive 4x4 safari vehicle, professional driver-guide, full board on safari, airport pick-up. The full lists of what is and is not included are in the "What's included" section above.
How hard is the Ol Doinyo Lengai climb?
It is very demanding: steep, loose ground climbed through the night, with a long descent in the heat of the morning. You need good fitness, sturdy hiking boots, a head torch and plenty of water. It is not suitable for children or anyone with knee or heart problems.
Is the volcano safe to climb?
Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano. Your local guide checks current conditions before every climb and will not go up if activity makes it unsafe.
How do I book?
Send us an enquiry. We will contact you to discuss your plans, then send your quotation. Once you are happy with it, you confirm the booking with a deposit and your safari is confirmed.
Read before you go
Destination guides
Tailor-made
Customise this safari
Change the days, the lodges or the activities — we will tailor this itinerary to you.
Simple booking
How booking works
- 1 Enquire Send your dates and group size
- 2 Consultation We discuss your plans with you
- 3 Quotation You receive your tailored quote
- 4 Deposit Confirm with a deposit
- 5 Confirmed Your safari is booked
Get a free quote
Tell us your dates and group — no obligation. We reply within 24 hours.
Prefer to chat? Fill in your dates and group above and we’ll include them.
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