Locally known as the “Sacred Mountain of God” in the Maasai Language, Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano located south of Lake Natron in North Tanzania’s eastern rift valley.

Mount Oldoinyo Lengai also experiences phases of explosive activity, and the lava that flows out is concentrated on silicate materials. During the initial phases of the eruption, strong lava fountains are seen, but there is no fluid lava and no ash eruption. It is also accompanied by rock eruptions and explosions. The most recent eruptions of this type happened in 2007-2008 and before that in 1966-1967. As per statistics, Oldoinyo Lengai erupts every seven years and plumes of smoke blow out of the crater. When there’s no volcanic activity, tourists can walk down into the crater floor.

From the summit crater, the view to the north includes the hot, barren salt flats of Lake Natron, which endlessly stretch into the distance. The temperature around this lake exceeds 40 degrees centigrade and it accommodates a few animals, including flocks of flamingos. They make the salty surface of upraised mounds their breeding and nesting ground. On the eastern side, views of Mt. Kilimanjaro dominate the landscape. On the west, you can see the forested escarpments and hills which are part of the Great African Rift Valley.

To the south, crater highlands can be seen along with views of Ngorongoro, which is a prime wildlife conservation area in Africa. The daytime heat, unavailability of water, steep slopes filled with ash and crumbly rock make the ascent to Oldoinyo Lengai challenging and demanding. An early start is recommended and the best approach is from the west where the morning sun can be avoided for a while.