Ol Doinyo Lengai (Oldoinyo Lengai), \"Mountain of God\" in the Maasai language, is an active volcano located in the Gregory Rift, south of Lake Natron within the Arusha Region of Tanzania, Africa. Part of the volcanic system of the East African Rift, it uniquely produces natrocarbonatite lava. The 1960 eruption of Ol Doinyo Lengai led to geological investigations that finally confirmed the view that carbonatite rock is derived from magma.\Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique among active volcanoes in that it produces natrocarbonatite lava, a unique occurrence of volcanic carbonatite. A few older extinct carbonatite volcanoes are located nearby, including Homa Mountain.
LAVA
Whereas most lavas are rich in silicate minerals, the lava of Ol Doinyo Lengai is a carbonatite. It is rich in the rare sodium and potassium carbonates, nyerereite and gregoryite.
Due to this unusual composition, the lava erupts at relatively low temperatures of approximately 510 °C (950 °F). This temperature is so low that the molten lava appears black in sunlight, rather than having the red glow common to most lavas. It is also much more fluid than silicate lavas, often less viscous than water. The sodium and potassium carbonate minerals of the lavas erupted at Ol Doinyo Lengai are unstable at the Earth's surface and susceptible to rapid weathering, quickly turning from black to grey in colour. The resulting volcanic landscape is different from any other in the world.
Ol Doinyo Lengai: All-Inclusive
Package Breakdown
1. Transport & Logistics
4x4 Safari Land Cruiser: A heavy-duty vehicle is mandatory due to the rough, dusty, and rocky terrain of the Rift Valley.
Professional Driver-Guide: An expert in off-road driving with deep knowledge of the Lake Natron area.
Fuel & Insurance: Covers all vehicle-related costs and travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
Pick-up & Drop-off: Includes transportation from your location in Arusha, Moshi, or Karatu and back.
2. Trekking & Mountain Services
Professional Mountain Guide: Certified guides specifically trained for volcanic terrain and high-altitude safety.
Local Maasai Guide: Essential for navigating the shifting ash paths and providing cultural context; this is a mandatory community requirement.
Midnight Summit Trek: Coordination for the 12:00 AM (Midnight) start to ensure you reach the summit by sunrise and avoid the extreme daytime heat.
3. All Statutory Fees (The "Hidden" Costs)
A true all-inclusive package must include these to avoid being stopped at multiple checkpoints:
WMA Fees: Wildlife Management Area fees required for entering the Lake Natron conservation zone.
Village Entry Fees: Development fees paid directly to the local Maasai district councils.
Gate Fees: Specific permits required by the government to access the Ol Doinyo Lengai forest and volcano reserve.
Camping Fees: Overnight fees for staying at designated campsites or tented camps.
4. Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Usually at a Luxury Tented Camp or a Basic Campsite near Lake Natron (depending on your choice).
All Meals: Includes Breakfast, Picnic Lunch boxes for the road/trek, and a hot Dinner at the camp.
Midnight Snack/Coffee: Provided right before you begin the climb at midnight to give you energy.
Unlimited Drinking Water: Crucial for hydration because the Natron area is semi-arid with temperatures reaching 35°C–40°C during the day.
Payment Policy: Your Peace of Mind, Our Commitment
Booking Flexibility & Safari Guarantees
To ensure your complete security and peace of mind, we do not require any upfront online payments. Your 50% deposit is only payable upon your arrival at your hotel or at our designated safari starting point.
.Why is this Deposit Essential?
Your deposit is immediately allocated to secure the critical logistics of your wilderness expedition, including:
Aviation & Ground Logistics: To issue tickets for internal bush planes (charters/shuttles) and to prepare your dedicated 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers for the rugged terrain.
Exclusive Accommodations:
To confirm and hold your reservations at Luxury Tented Camps or boutique lodges. These remote properties have very limited capacity and high seasonal demand.
Conservation & Park Permits: To pre-pay all government conservation fees and park entry permits, ensuring a seamless, "no-wait" entry through the park gates without any administrative
| Group Size: | Min 1 Person |
| Destination: | Ol doinyo |
| Start & End point: | Anywhere |
| Visa Requirements: | Visa on Arrival |
| Guider languages: | English, French, Germany, Spanish, Italian |
| Currency Used: | USD, Euro, TSH |