Trekking · Ol Doinyo Lengai
A Midnight Climb up the Mountain of God
Ol Doinyo Lengai — the Mountain of God to the Maasai — rises 2,870 m out of the eastern Rift Valley south of Lake Natron, about 137 km from Arusha. It is the only active carbonatite volcano on Earth, erupting lava so cool and fluid that it runs black and turns white in the sun.
The climb starts at midnight to beat the heat, taking five to seven hours up steep ash and rock to the caldera rim. You arrive for sunrise, breakfast on the summit above the Rift Valley, then descend to camp and drive back to Arusha the same afternoon.
- The only active carbonatite volcano in the world
- Midnight ascent with sunrise from the crater rim
- Engare Sero waterfalls and natural spring pools
- Local Maasai guide sharing the mountain's heritage
2,870 m
Summit — 9,450 ft
2 Days
1 Night Camping
5–7 hrs
Ascent Time
137 km
Arusha to Lake Natron
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arusha – Lake Natron – Engare Sero Waterfalls
Depart Arusha for a three-hour drive north through volcanic country to Lake Natron, where you meet your mountain guide and a local Maasai guide. The afternoon is spent trekking a narrow gorge to the Engare Sero waterfalls, with time to swim in the spring-fed pools before dinner at camp.
- 🚗 137 km · ~3 hrs
- 🚶 Gorge & Waterfall Walk
- 🌊 Natural Swimming Pools
- 🏕️ Camping at Lake Natron
Day 2 · Summit
Midnight Ascent – Summit – Return to Arusha
The climb begins at midnight in the cool of the night, five to seven hours up steep volcanic terrain to the crater rim. Breakfast is a summit picnic looking over the caldera, Lake Natron and the Rift Valley wall. Descend to camp for lunch, then drive back to Arusha by evening.
- ⛰️ ~610 → 2,870 m
- 🕐 5–7 hrs up · 5–7 down
- 🌋 Active Crater
- 🌅 Sunrise Summit
Cost
What Your Trip Covers
What’s Included
- Round-trip transport from Arusha
- Full-board meals throughout
- Camping accommodation at Lake Natron
- All park fees and government taxes
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide
- Local Maasai guide
- Boiled drinking water on the trek
- First-aid kit and supplementary oxygen
Not Included
- Laundry, sleeping bags & climbing gear
- Beverages
- International flights, visas & taxes
- Tips for guides and crew
- Personal items not listed
Get Your Tailored Quote
Rates vary with group size, season and accommodation level. Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll send a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — usually much faster on WhatsApp.
Map
Where You'll Be Travelling
Climb the Mountain of God
A short, sharp adventure that pairs perfectly with a Serengeti safari or a Kilimanjaro warm-up.