2 Days Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain
Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai in the remote wilderness area of northern Tanzania is an adventure of a life time. The trekking is very challenging, steep not ideal for everyone but for fit people. At the beginning the trek is gentle and it start changing drastically into steepness as you move higher normally after the first 300 meters. The steepness and existence of the hot sun during the day result to a high temperature which causes climbing oldoinyo lengai to be challenging. Due to these facts we highly recommend to start the climb in the early morning hours at 01:00 am or 02:00 am so that you reach the summit before the sunrise when it is cool. The distance from the base to the point where you can see the volcano crater is 2 kilometers and the total time requires to climb Oldoinyo Lengai up and down is approximately 6 to 7 hours. The total amount of time requires for the tour is 2 days which is enough to climb oldoinyo Lengai and explore the nearby areas of interest
History of Oldoinyo Lengai
Oldoinyo lengai is part of the volcanic system of the East African Rift Valley which produces natrocarbonatite lava. This mountain has been experiencing occasional volcanic eruptions with the most recent between 25th March to 5th April in 2006. According to the team of geologist who climbed Oldoinyo lengai in February 2010 witnessed a periodic eruptions from a small vent and steam emissions from the crater rim of the mountain near to the collapsed part. These occasional eruptions is what makes the local maasai people who live in the area to call it the mountain of God. They actually name it the mountain of God “Oldoinyo Lengai” due to the presence of fire and ashes occur during the eruption.
2 Days Oldoinyo Lengai Climb – Activities
Although the main highlight of this tour is to climb Oldoinyo Lengai, but the tour is also offering the chance to visit the shores of Lake Natron which is the main nesting ground for flamingo birds in the region. In addition to that, visitors can also visit the nearby Maasai boma for a cultural experience. For visitors with sufficient time, can add an extra day to this oldoinyo lengai climbing program and embark on a day hike to the fascinating Engaresero waterfall.
Oldoinyo Lengai Climbing Tour – Where to stay
During a 2 days Oldoinyo lengai climbing adventure visitor will stay at Masai Giraffe Eco lodge which is a budget lodge found in the area. However there is other there is other accommodation option available in the area where visitors can opt to such as Lake Natron Camp and Lengai Safari Lodge. Please let us know about your accommodation preference and we will help to arrange for your Oldoinyo Lengai Climbing tour accordingly.
Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Oldoinyo Lengai
At 08:00 am we shall pick you up from your hotel in Arusha town for hardly 3 hour drive via Engaruka ruins to Oldoinyo Lengai. Located in the Gregory Rift, south of Lake Natron Oldoinyo lengai is the only live volcano in the East African region which experiencing occasion volcanic eruptions. The shape of this mountain is almost perfect cone with crater at the top and steep slopes. As you arrive in the area you shall depart for a short tour to Lake Natron which is located few kilometers north east. The Lake Natron is one of the major breeding site for the flamingo in the area. In the evening you may also visit the maasai community for a cultural interaction and the nearby waterfalls for a swim
Day 2: Climb Oldoinyo Lengi Mountain – Arusha
Today at 01:00 am in the night you shall be transferred by vehicle from the camp to the base of the Mount Oldoinyo Lengai to start the climbing. The total climbing distance is from the base to the peak and the way back to the base is approximately 4 kilometers. The climb is challenging and it requires a physically fit person to manage it. Arrive at the Peak just before sunrise after 5 to 6 hours of trek.
The oldoinyo lengai crater is quite unique with ashes on it as it goes down to the volcano vent. After spending sometimes at the summit taking pictures you will descend to the mountain base for transfer back to the camp. After a short rest and brunch in the camp you will depart back to Arusha arriving in the evening.
Solo traveler: US $ 1100
2 people: US $ 750 per person
3 people: US $ 655 per person
4 people: US $ 615 per person
5 people: US $ 590 per person
6 people: US $ 400 per person
Climbing Includes
Trekking permit
Fees local communities on Lake Natron
Accommodation in Lengai Safari Lodge for one night
Rent Land Cruiser for two days
Professional driver services (English-speaking)
Guide service
Lunch box (is carried by you)
Drinking water (is carried by you)
Optional tour to the Ngara Sero waterfall.
Climbing Excludes
Accommodation in Ausha on the arrival and departure day
Flying doctors insurance
All expenses of personal nature
Tips for diver and cooker
Alcoholic drinks while in the Camp.
Medical insurance
Any other expenses of the personal nature
Related Treks
Requirements for Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai
Oldoinyo Lengai Climbing gears: Warm sleeping bag (-10’C); Trekking boots (used and comfortable); a warm jacket; Thermo long underwear; Balaclava hat; several pairs of warm socks; windbreaker jacket; Rain gear, Getas, Light camera, Sunglasses and sun creams; Warm gloves, a walking stick and some medicines.
Medical Kit: We advise you to consult your doctor before coming to climb Oldoinyo lengai and furthermore to bring your own medical kit with all important medicines. You can include in the kit antibiotics, malaria tabs, sunburn cream, water purification tabs, Diamox, (Aspirins will do for mild headaches). For the case of Acute Mountain Sickness you shall have to climb down. Doctor before the climb.
Camping during Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai:
We use light tents for camping which is perched in the public camping sites supported with basic necessities only. Together with the tents we provide mattresses, chair, tables etc.
During this trip you will accompanied by your private cook who will be preparing fresh meals for you and deals with the camp chores. It is your obligation to inform us about your dietary requirements so that we organize your meals accordingly.