Destination Zone
Northern Circuit
Best Time to Go
June to October
High Season
June to October
Nearest Airport
Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
Price Range
$400 to $1000
About Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai
Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai, which translates to the “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, is one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary natural landmarks. Located in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Natron, this active stratovolcano rises to 2,962 meters (9,718 ft) and is revered both geologically and spiritually. Unlike any other volcano on Earth, Ol’Doinyo Lengai produces natrocarbonatite lava—a rare type of lava that flows at much cooler temperatures compared to typical lava, moving quickly down the slopes in eerie black streams that turn white when they harden.
For the Maasai people, this volcano is more than just a mountain—it is a sacred site, believed to be the dwelling place of their god, Engai. This strong spiritual connection gives the volcano a cultural significance that adds depth to any visit. For adventurers and geologists alike, Ol’Doinyo Lengai is a place of awe and curiosity, combining science, spirituality, and adventure in one remarkable destination.
When is the Best Time to Visit Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai
The best time to experience Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai is during Tanzania’s dry seasons: from June to October and again from December to February. During these months, the skies are clear, making it possible to enjoy breathtaking views of the Rift Valley, Lake Natron, and even Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The trails are also less slippery, which is important given the steep and rugged nature of the climb.
In the rainy seasons (March to May and November), the trails become muddy and difficult to navigate, which increases the challenge. However, these months transform the surrounding landscapes into lush green scenery, and Lake Natron is especially photogenic, making it an appealing time for nature lovers and photographers.
Weather and Climate
The area surrounding Ol’Doinyo Lengai is part of the Rift Valley’s arid climate, meaning that daytime temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), especially near Lake Natron’s shores. However, because most climbs begin around midnight, trekkers face very different conditions as they ascend the slopes. The nighttime climb is often chilly, with summit temperatures dropping to 5–10°C (41–50°F).
This dramatic shift in climate means climbers need to be well-prepared with layered clothing—light clothing for the hot, dusty valley floor, and warm gear for the cold, windswept summit. A sturdy headlamp, gloves, and good hiking boots are also essential for navigating the rocky, ash-covered trails.
Why Visit Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai?
Ol’Doinyo Lengai offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for travelers who crave something beyond the traditional safari. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can climb an active volcano, stand on its rim, and witness steaming vents or even glowing lava flows. The sheer uniqueness of the natrocarbonatite lava, combined with the panoramic views from the summit, makes this destination unforgettable.
In addition to the thrill of climbing, Ol’Doinyo Lengai is a cultural and spiritual journey. Visiting the mountain offers a deeper understanding of Maasai traditions and their connection to the land. Combined with the stunning landscapes of Lake Natron and the flamingos that flock to its waters, this destination blends natural wonder, adventure, and culture into one seamless experience.
Things to Do Around Ol’Doinyo Lengai
The highlight of any visit is the challenging overnight climb to the summit. Treks usually begin just before midnight, allowing climbers to reach the rim in time for a spectacular sunrise over the Rift Valley. The ascent is steep, often requiring hands-on scrambling across loose volcanic ash and rock, making it physically demanding. However, the reward is unparalleled—the view from the top stretches across Lake Natron, endless valleys, and even as far as Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
Beyond the climb, the surrounding region offers plenty of attractions. Lake Natron, lying at the volcano’s base, is a surreal soda lake with striking red and pink hues due to high mineral content and algae. It is one of the world’s main breeding sites for lesser flamingos, turning the landscape into a spectacle of wildlife and color. Visitors can also explore the Engare Sero Waterfalls, hidden in a gorge where cool freshwater cascades contrast beautifully with the dry surroundings. Cultural tours to Maasai villages give travelers a chance to learn about local traditions, cattle herding, and the spiritual importance of the “Mountain of God” to their daily lives.
Getting to Ol’Doinyo Lengai
Reaching Ol’Doinyo Lengai requires planning and an adventurous spirit. The volcano is located about 6–7 hours by road from Arusha, with much of the journey involving rough and dusty tracks that require a reliable 4×4 vehicle. The drive, though long, is an adventure in itself, passing through stunning Rift Valley landscapes and remote Maasai settlements.
Alternatively, small charter flights can be arranged to the Lake Natron airstrip, from where travelers can transfer to accommodations near the volcano. Many choose to visit Ol’Doinyo Lengai as part of a broader northern safari circuit, combining it with Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park for a complete mix of safari and adventure experiences.
Where to Stay
Most accommodations near Ol’Doinyo Lengai are found around Lake Natron, providing a remote and authentic base for exploration. Options range from simple campsites where trekkers sleep under the stars, to mid-range eco-lodges and tented camps that offer more comfort while still blending into the rugged environment.
Staying near Lake Natron means waking up to incredible views of flamingos feeding along the lake’s edge, with the looming silhouette of Ol’Doinyo Lengai in the background. Many lodges are run in partnership with Maasai communities, allowing guests to not only enjoy the natural beauty of the area but also contribute directly to local livelihoods. While the facilities here are simpler than those found in Tanzania’s luxury safari lodges, the immersive wilderness experience is unlike anywhere else.
When is the Best Time to Visit Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai
The best time to experience Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai is during Tanzania’s dry seasons: from June to October and again from December to February. During these months, the skies are clear, making it possible to enjoy breathtaking views of the Rift Valley, Lake Natron, and even Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The trails are also less slippery, which is important given the steep and rugged nature of the climb.
In the rainy seasons (March to May and November), the trails become muddy and difficult to navigate, which increases the challenge. However, these months transform the surrounding landscapes into lush green scenery, and Lake Natron is especially photogenic, making it an appealing time for nature lovers and photographers.
Weather and Climate
The area surrounding Ol’Doinyo Lengai is part of the Rift Valley’s arid climate, meaning that daytime temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), especially near Lake Natron’s shores. However, because most climbs begin around midnight, trekkers face very different conditions as they ascend the slopes. The nighttime climb is often chilly, with summit temperatures dropping to 5–10°C (41–50°F).
This dramatic shift in climate means climbers need to be well-prepared with layered clothing—light clothing for the hot, dusty valley floor, and warm gear for the cold, windswept summit. A sturdy headlamp, gloves, and good hiking boots are also essential for navigating the rocky, ash-covered trails.
Why Visit Mount Ol’Doinyo Lengai?
Ol’Doinyo Lengai offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for travelers who crave something beyond the traditional safari. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can climb an active volcano, stand on its rim, and witness steaming vents or even glowing lava flows. The sheer uniqueness of the natrocarbonatite lava, combined with the panoramic views from the summit, makes this destination unforgettable.
In addition to the thrill of climbing, Ol’Doinyo Lengai is a cultural and spiritual journey. Visiting the mountain offers a deeper understanding of Maasai traditions and their connection to the land. Combined with the stunning landscapes of Lake Natron and the flamingos that flock to its waters, this destination blends natural wonder, adventure, and culture into one seamless experience.
Things to Do Around Ol’Doinyo Lengai
The highlight of any visit is the challenging overnight climb to the summit. Treks usually begin just before midnight, allowing climbers to reach the rim in time for a spectacular sunrise over the Rift Valley. The ascent is steep, often requiring hands-on scrambling across loose volcanic ash and rock, making it physically demanding. However, the reward is unparalleled—the view from the top stretches across Lake Natron, endless valleys, and even as far as Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
Beyond the climb, the surrounding region offers plenty of attractions. Lake Natron, lying at the volcano’s base, is a surreal soda lake with striking red and pink hues due to high mineral content and algae. It is one of the world’s main breeding sites for lesser flamingos, turning the landscape into a spectacle of wildlife and color. Visitors can also explore the Engare Sero Waterfalls, hidden in a gorge where cool freshwater cascades contrast beautifully with the dry surroundings. Cultural tours to Maasai villages give travelers a chance to learn about local traditions, cattle herding, and the spiritual importance of the “Mountain of God” to their daily lives.
Getting to Ol’Doinyo Lengai
Reaching Ol’Doinyo Lengai requires planning and an adventurous spirit. The volcano is located about 6–7 hours by road from Arusha, with much of the journey involving rough and dusty tracks that require a reliable 4×4 vehicle. The drive, though long, is an adventure in itself, passing through stunning Rift Valley landscapes and remote Maasai settlements.
Alternatively, small charter flights can be arranged to the Lake Natron airstrip, from where travelers can transfer to accommodations near the volcano. Many choose to visit Ol’Doinyo Lengai as part of a broader northern safari circuit, combining it with Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park for a complete mix of safari and adventure experiences.
Where to Stay
Most accommodations near Ol’Doinyo Lengai are found around Lake Natron, providing a remote and authentic base for exploration. Options range from simple campsites where trekkers sleep under the stars, to mid-range eco-lodges and tented camps that offer more comfort while still blending into the rugged environment.
Staying near Lake Natron means waking up to incredible views of flamingos feeding along the lake’s edge, with the looming silhouette of Ol’Doinyo Lengai in the background. Many lodges are run in partnership with Maasai communities, allowing guests to not only enjoy the natural beauty of the area but also contribute directly to local livelihoods. While the facilities here are simpler than those found in Tanzania’s luxury safari lodges, the immersive wilderness experience is unlike anywhere else.
Let's plan your trip to Tanzania
Our team of Safari specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.
Photos of Mt. Ol’Doinyo Lengai
Suggested itinerary featuring Mt. Ol’Doinyo Lengai
No results found.
Other Popular Destinations to Visit in Tanzania
Featuring heavily on our itinerary ideas for visiting Tanzania, these places are destinations that we know prove consistently popular with our travellers. How you choose to include them in your trip can be tailored into a route that best suits your preferences.
Happy Travelers Share Their Experiences
We have been receiving outstanding reviews from our clients, and Eastland Adventures is proudly rated 5/5 by our customers. This honor is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every aspect of our clients’ safari experiences is fully tailored to their needs. We go above and beyond to make sure their adventure is nothing short of exceptional and satisfying.
Kellie F2025-07-23Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, four day safari and balloon flight over Serengeti! Please do not look past this company! They were so attentive and supportive for our team of ten on the Kilimanjaro climb and safari tour. Before we even finished our sentence if we went to make a request, it was being acted upon! They fully understand the hiker experience and do everything in their power to make it the most enjoyable and rewarding journey right from the moment you step off the plane.A++ rating from our whole team!Sally M2025-07-15Amazing adventure Hi Daniel and team, I would just like to say thank you for the amazing experience that I had with Eastland Adventures and Take Shape Adventures. Your team of guides and porters were absolutely fantastic. I especially love the conversations that I was able to have with Tlusa, David and Leo. I really appreciated Tlusa sharing his family stories with me and through David I have a much better understanding of Tanzania. The summit day, was exhilarating and very tiring, talking to David really helped me enjoy the walk down from the summit. Thank you so much to all your team, you have made my holiday absolutely incredible. Thanks SallyGill2025-07-13Highly recommend Eastland Adventures for climbing Kilimanjaro and 4-day Safari Climbing Kilimanjaro : Highly recommend Eastland Adventures for their attention to detail, skilled team and extraordinary service while climbing Kilimanjaro - what an awesome fun team they have - always thinking ahead to what we need each day, monitoring our health, keeping us safe, encouraged and well fed at all times.4-day Safari : also excellent, our driver George knew the tracks so well and took us to so so many animals and safe picnic locations. We never felt rushed and were able to take our time for photos and just observing. He always checked with us before moving on.Bridget2025-07-12Incredible Kilimanjaro Experience & outstanding Safari People are sincere, helpful & professional. All guides and staff are of the highest standard & make sure you are having a wonderful time & safe at all times. Highly recommend Eastland Adventures for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro & for Safari.Melle W2025-05-1411/10 RECOMMEND EASTLAND ADVENTURES for Kili climb! ❤️ Safe, knowledgeable, prepared, fun & successful! Climbing Kilimanjaro with Eastland Adventures was the experience of a lifetime. We were amazed by the large support team—many hands truly made light work. The guides were knowledgeable, fun, and incredibly supportive. They knew every detail of the mountain and made us feel safe at every step. Summit day was no joke, but when we got stuck, they carried our packs (on top of there's!!) when we struggled (still makes me tear up), helping us reach the top. The food was incredible (especially for being on a mountain!), and the accommodations before the climb were clean and secure. Everything was thoughtfully organized—even personalized mugs! Can’t recommend them enough. Feel free to message on IG: @mellewilliamson.Miguel2025-03-29Eastland Adventures made our Kilimanjaro dreams come true! Words cannot express our appreciation for the incredible trekking experience with Eastland Adventures that made our Kilimanjaro summit dreams come true. The exceptional care, attention to detail, and remarkable expertise was truly amazing. We are so grateful and would 100% recommend them for your Kilimanjaro climb! As we were planning our trip, we researched various trekking companies and a family member referred us to Eastland Adventures. We are so happy we chose them. From the beginning, communication with Daniel, founder and CEO, was phenomenal. Correspondence was timely, thoughtful, detailed, and very helpful. Our lead guide David and assistant guide Walter were absolutely incredible and shared so much with us during our expedition. They were patient, knowledgeable, and caring. Their encouragement and experience was instrumental in creating a successful and fun adventure. We truly appreciated the way our guides taught us about the mountain, the people, and the culture. In addition to our amazing guides, the entire team of porters were superhuman, demonstrating remarkable strength and endurance. Carrying individual packs while balancing heavy loads on their heads, the team was truly inspiring. Their specialized skills ensured our comfort and well-being from setting up camp to crafting delicious meals to providing a portable clean toilet. It was wonderful to experience their camaraderie and joy, and the team's dedication to service was evident in every detail. Shout out to team Calimanjaro: Boniface, Jackson, Langaeli, Walle, Joseph, Ali, Oswald, John, Matei, and Shedrac. Mashujaa for life! In December 2024, we completed the 7-day Rongai route, which was great for acclimatization and to enjoy the Kilimanjaro adventure without feeling rushed. After our progress on the first day and with our guides' advice, we were able to spend two nights rather than one at a higher elevation to acclimatize better, which made our Kilimanjaro adventure even more successful. On summit night, we hiked up with our guides and support porters. Summit night/day was a challenging climb for us because of the altitude, and we would not have made it to the summit without our summit team. They were encouraging, patient, and supportive. Reaching the summit was a dream come true! Overall, it was an experience of a lifetime. Eastland Adventures went above and beyond what we could have ever imagined. Asante Sana Eastland Adventures!- Aarika and MiguelSM-nj-USA2025-03-25Enquiry how are their Serengeti safari tours? Any experiences with these : bookings, tour , deposits etc? Are they dependable? They are asking for multiple deposits.Navigator1810332024-03-12Amazing once in a lifetime experience! Daniel at Eastland ensured that we were very comfortable during our entire trip. He arranged everything from transportation, lodging, knowledgeable mountain guides, fantastic cook, and amazing porters. We had a small group of family (only 3 of us). We didn't know what to expect landing in Tanzania for the first time, but felt very welcome and gained some new local family. Everything was on-time and as scheduled. We were fed like royalty and had, the always welcome, coffee and tea in the morning and tea time in the evening. The whole experience was once in a lifetime and we are sure we chose the correct outfit. The views spoke for themselves. We had ideal weather.John B2024-03-06Awesome!!!! Great time all round! Porters, guides, drivers were friendly and professional. Food, campsites, sleeping tents, toilets all very good. Climbing Kilimanjaro was both beautiful and brutal especially on way down! I only wish we had taken more time with the safari and stayed longer. Really an existential experience we will never forget. Asante Tanzania!SuziCNM2024-03-05Truly the trip of a lifetime. BOOK NOW!!! After our Kili hike, we chose to run in the Moshi marathon. Then, we departed on Safari for 4 days. MINDS BLOWN!!! Our driver Raymond was amazing! The roads to and from the national parks are CHALLENGING, and those within the park even more so. Be prepared for lots of bumps and mud, but the reward is MORE THAN WORTH IT!!! The Serengeti is never ending, and has more animals that you can even imagine. Ngorongoro is not to be missed either. Each and every detail was planned for us, which made it easier for us to really enjoy all that the country has to offer. DO NOT HESITATE to consider Eastland for your Tanzania adventure!!! Locally owned and operated!!
Why Book Tours With Eastland Adventures
Welcome to Eastland Adventures! We create unforgettable trips across Tanzania, from Kilimanjaro climbs and wildlife safaris to relaxing beach holidays. With our local expertise and carefully planned tours, we help you explore Tanzania’s nature, culture, and hidden gems with ease and comfort.
Tailor-Made Journeys
We create personalized tours that match your interests and style, whether it’s climbing Kilimanjaro, exploring wildlife, or immersing yourself in local culture. Every trip is designed with care for a truly unique adventure.
Trusted Local Expertise
With experienced guides and deep knowledge of Tanzania, we ensure safe, seamless, and unforgettable travel. From mountains to safaris and beaches, you’ll explore with confidence and authenticity.
Authentic Local Experiences
Experience Tanzania through the eyes of expert local guides who take you beyond tourist spots to hidden gems, cultural encounters, and authentic adventures.
Seamless & Stress-Free Travel
From planning to departure, every detail of your trip is handled with care, ensuring smooth logistics, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable memories.
