THE OL DOINYO LENGAI HIKE

Duration: 1N/2D of trekking
Start point: Lake Natron
Activity: Trekking
Difficulty: Easy
Max Height: 2,890 m/9,482 ft
Min. age: 10

Ol Doinyo Lengai climb overview:

The Ol Doinyo Lengai hike takes place on the symmetrical, steep classical stratovolcano, rising majestically about 6,562 feet (2000 meters) from the East Africa Rift Valley depression to a summit elevation of 9,482 feet (2890 meters). To the Maasai people, it is the “Home of Gods”, which is also the meaning of the name. Lengai is an active volcano, and the only one that erupts Natrocarbonatite lava.

The Ol Doinyo Lengai climb is extremely unique as you visit alpine lakes, waterfalls, gorges, streams, and witness the rich glow of molten lava.

Ol Doinyo Lengai climb highlights:

Hike up an active volcano in the night
Watch the soft glow of fresh lava on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike
Visit the Lake Natron, Ngarasero Waterfall, and other unique spots

Pick up point:

Kilimanjaro International Airport

How to get there:

The most convenient airport to arrive to for the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike is the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our driver and/or guide will be at the airport to greet you upon arrival and drive you to your hotel. Please refer to the itinerary for the accommodation arrangements.

inclusions:

- Park fees
- Support crew fee.
- Transport.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.

Exclusions:

- Tips
- Personal expenses.
- Personal gears.

Sketch itinerary:

- Day 1:Drive to Lake Natron; trek to Ngaresero Waterfall and back
- Day 2:Summit day of the Ol Doinyo Lengai climb the continue with other activities.

What to expect:

- Walk in the bushes
- Little bit of bouldering
- Some sections of terrain can be steep up/down

What to carry:

- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- A day pack (can be shared among 2)
- Rain cover for your bag
- 1Lt / 32oz water bottle
- Dry snacks
- Insect repellent
- Poncho (rain jacket)
- Headlamp or torch
- Trekking pole
- Basic first aid kit
- Medication (if required to carry any)
- Toiletries
- Passport

When to go:

Dec – Feb and June – Oct. It is also possible to go during March – May and November, but chance of rain is very high.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1Ol Doinyo Lengai Hike: Drive to Lake Natron; trek to Ngaresero Waterfall and back

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast and drive to the infamous Lake Natron. The drive is long but beautiful, and you will reach lodge just after lunch. Upon arrival and after lunch, your guide will take you on a walking tour to Ngaresero Waterfall. The trail runs through a gorge, and you will sometimes need to cross streams, so we recommend that you wear sandals to avoid constantly having to take your shoes off. A drive to the lakeshore, where you get a chance to capture its great scenery on camera, takes place before you return to the lodge for dinner and a rest.

Overnight: Lake Natron camps
Trekking time: 6 – 7 hours.
Meals included: Half board

Day 2Ol Doinyo Lengai Hike: Summit Day!

Today, you’ll be woken up by midnight to start your hike to the summit. After something to eat, you will be driven to the base of the mountain to start your Ol Doinyo Lengai climb. The slopes of the volcano can be treacherous, especially in the dark, so follow your guide carefully. The trek is strenuous and takes between 7 and 10 hours depending on your fitness and pace.

Once at the Lengai summit, the new crater rim, you will spend sometimes taking photos and resting. Soon, you’ll begin your descent back to the base. The descend is very steep, so listen carefully to the instructions of the guide.

Your drive will be waiting at the bottom to take you to the lodge to freshen up and drive back to Arusha or continue with other activities.

Trekking time: 7-10 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

FAQ

How can I prepare for the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

We recommend exercises that help build your stamina, control your breathing, increase your endurance, and get you accustomed to climbing on inclines. You can train with cardio exercises, yoga, and frequent runs. Ideally, we’d recommend a few short, high-altitude treks around your city to make your body accustomed to different terrains and hiking with a full backpack.

I’m a beginner – am I still eligible for the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

Yes! The Ol Doinyo Lengai hike is a short and easy trek with plenty of time to acclimatize. The ascend is gradual with very few tricky spots to tackle. Do make sure that you’re physically fit enough to trek long hours each day.

How to do I get to the start or pick up point of the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

The best way to reach Kilimanjaro is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is frequented by many international airlines from across the world. From the airport, we will transfer you to your lodge (which, as with the transfer back to the airport at the end of your trek, is included in the price of your trek).

How many hours will I trek each day on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

On the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike, you’ll trek between 6 – 10 hours each day.

When is the best time to go on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

The best months to go are from December to February and June to October. The mountain receives considerable rainfall between March and May and in November, making the trek less ideal.

What kind of food will I eat on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

Our highly trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. We are also equipped to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals with advance request.

Where can I get drinking water throughout the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

We provide clean drinking water each night for you to fill up your water bottles for the trek. We recommend you bring two to three 1-ltr bottles.

What gear is needed while on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

No specialty mountaineering gear is needed (i.e., ice axe, crampons, helmet, etc.) to climb Kilimanjaro. However, basic trekking gear like hiking boots, base layers, fleece hats and gloves, a fleece sweater, etc. are required. Once you’ve joined a Ol Doinyo Lengai hike, you’ll receive a detailed packing list and rental gear list to help you prepare.

What kind of accommodation will be provided on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

During the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike, you’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground sheets to keep you and your gear dry. These tents will be set up each day by our expert crew. Toilet tents, dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are also provided at the campsite.

What medication should I carry on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

It is important to consult your doctor before departing for the trek for the types of medications you need to carry with you. Make sure you carry any prescription medicines you need. Though all our guides carry a first aid kit, make sure you carry one yourself in case you need immediate help. Carry enough medication to last you the duration of the trek and a few extra in case your trip gets extended.

Will there be network on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike?

Cellular network is extremely inconsistent on the Ol Doinyo Lengai hike. You can check with your guide or porters to know when the occasional signal pops up, but that, too, is infrequent.

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