Oldonyo Lengai

Oldoinyo Lengai is located in the northern Tanzania just south of the Lake Natron. This mountain has the altitude of about 2100 meters above the sea level. The name Oldoinyo lengai derived from the maasai language which means “The Mountain of God”. The maasai people believe that Oldonyo lengai Mountains is the home of home and the lava which flows indicate that the God has become angry. They also use to conduct prayers in this place to God “Enkai” or “Engai” whom the Maasai believe is the Creator of all things on this active volcanic mountain.

Ol’doinyo Lengai is the only active volcano in the East African Rift Valley Region which errupt carbonated lava which is dark brown upon extrusion, but reacts very rapidly and turns into moisture to hydrate, then to secondary alteration minerals that impart a white colour to the rock. The Maasai believe that the “white rock” symbolizes the white beards of “Enkai”. Many tourists visit and climb this mountain which is located in Northern Tanzania every year. One should not underestimate this 9,442 feet long mountain, as it needs much determination to climb because of the steep walking. However, climbing Ol’doinyo Lenkai doesn’t require technical skills to get to the peak. At the summit, the small cones formed by lava can be seen on the crater rim. Despite the fact that Ol’doinyo Lenkai’s volcano erupts frequently there are no records of injuries or deaths. Geologists tell that Ol’doinyo Lenka’s lava is not as hot as other volcanoes lava recorded in the world. It takes three days to the summit of Ol’doinyo Lenkai.

After a climb to Lenkai, the company advices tourists to spend sometime and take a tour around Lake Natron. Lake Natron is the largest lake in East Africa which accommodates numerous flamingos and other birdlife.

Zebras, elephants, giraffes, can be viewed on the walking safari from Ngare-Sero, Engaruka to Loliondo accompanied by armed rangers.