3-Day Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb and Lake Natron Adventure

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano known as the "Mountain of God"
• 02 See the crater rim and sunrise views over Lake Natron from the summit
• 03 Visit Lake Natron, a red salt lake where flamingos breed
• 04 Walk through the gorge to Engare Sero waterfalls and swim in cool pools
• 05 Pass Maasai villages on the way, with optional cultural visits

This 3-day adventure from Arusha or Moshi takes you to the wild north of Tanzania for a challenging climb up Ol Doinyo Lengai, the "Mountain of God," an active volcano. Along the way, you visit Lake Natron, a red salt lake where flamingos breed, and walk to the Engare Sero waterfalls, where cool pools offer a refreshing break. You spend 2 nights near Lake Natron. This tour is best for fit, adventurous travellers who enjoy hiking, as the climb is hard, steep, on loose ash, and starts at midnight. The volcano is active, so the climb can be cancelled for safety, and flamingo numbers depend on the season.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Drive from Arusha or Moshi to Lake Natron

• Pick-up: Your driver-guide picks you up from your hotel at about 7:00 AM.
• Drive: You drive about 5 to 6 hours to Lake Natron, passing Maasai villages and the Rift Valley.
• Road conditions: The last part of the road is rough.
• Lunch: You stop for lunch on the way.
• Arrival: You arrive at your camp in the afternoon and rest.
• Briefing: In the late afternoon, you meet your climbing guide for a briefing on the climb.
• Dinner: Dinner and an early bedtime at your camp.

2

Day 02

Midnight Climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai and Engare Sero Waterfalls

• Wake up: You wake up at about 11:00 PM and drive to the base of the volcano.
• Climb start: You start the climb around midnight, because it is cooler and safer in the dark.
• Climb: The climb is steep and takes about 4 to 6 hours up.
• Summit: At the top, you see the crater and the sunrise over Lake Natron.
• Descent: You walk down in about 3 to 4 hours and return to camp for breakfast and a long rest.
• Afternoon walk: In the afternoon, you walk to the Engare Sero waterfalls, where you can swim in cool pools.
• Dinner & overnight: Dinner and overnight at your camp.

3

Day 03

Lake Natron Shore Walk and Return to Arusha or Moshi

• Breakfast: After breakfast, you can take a short walk to the shore of Lake Natron to see the red water and the flamingos.
• Drive: Then you drive back to Arusha or Moshi, with a stop for lunch.
• Arrival: You arrive in the late afternoon, and the tour ends.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or Moshi
• 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide (the road requires a 4x4)
• Licensed local climbing guide and ranger
• Entrance fees (Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron, Engare Sero waterfalls)
• Camping or lodge fees for 2 nights
• Meals as listed
• Drinking water
• Government taxes and VAT

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Tanzania visa
• Travel and medical insurance
• Drinks (soft and alcoholic)
• Tips for driver and guides
• Maasai village visit fee
• Personal items (laundry, phone, souvenirs)
• Optional activities not listed

What to bring

• Documents and money: Passport, small Tanzanian shilling and US dollar notes for tips and village fees
• Climbing clothes: Warm jacket, fleece, long trousers, warm hat and gloves (the summit is cold and windy), light layers
• Footwear: Strong hiking boots with ankle support and good grip (the ash is loose), plus sandals or water shoes
• Climbing gear: Headlamp with spare batteries (needed for the night climb), trekking poles, gaiters, small day pack, 2 litres of water, snacks
• Sun and bug items: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, bandana or buff for dust
• Health: Personal medicine, blister plasters, hand sanitiser, wet wipes

Know before you go

• Note: The volcano is active, so the climb can be cancelled for safety.
• Flamingo numbers depend on the season.
• Lake Natron is very hot during the day. Wear light clothes and drink plenty of water.
• Plastic bags are not allowed in Tanzania.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Your hotel

Tour start

Arusha or Moshi

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.