Ol doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai, meaning “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, is an active volcano and one of Tanzania’s most unique adventure destinations. Rising 2,962 meters above the Great Rift Valley floor, this sacred mountain is the only volcano in the world that produces natrocarbonatite lava—a rare type of lava that is cooler and flows like oil.

A climb up Ol Doinyo Lengai is a thrilling and challenging experience, recommended for adventurous travelers. Treks usually begin at midnight, allowing climbers to reach the summit by sunrise. As the first light of day breaks, breathtaking views of Lake Natron, the endless Rift Valley, and sometimes even Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance reward your effort. The steep and rugged trail requires determination and fitness, but the sense of accomplishment at the top is unmatched.