Ol Doinyo Lengai; History, Active Volcano, All You Need To Know
Ol Doinyo Lengai, meaning “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, is an active volcano situated in the Gregory Rift, south of Lake Natron in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, Africa. As a component of the East African Rift’s volcanic system, it distinctively generates natrocarbonatite lava. The 1960 eruption of Ol Doinyo Lengai prompted geological studies that ultimately validated the hypothesis that carbonatite rock originates from magma.
The most significant eruption occurred in 1966, with by lesser eruptions in 1983, 1933, and 2007. Ol Doinyo Lengai is one of the few volcanoes devoid of sodium carbonate and potassium, and it is the sole volcano globally that releases natrocarbonatite lava. This lava contains minimal silicon and its temperatures range from roughly 500 to 600°C, which is lower than that of other lavas.
The volcano possesses multiple active centers, with the majority of recent eruptions originating from its northern crater. Subsidiary cones project from the center and descend along its flanks.
The rich lower elevations of Ol Doinyo Lengai are cultivated with vineyards and citrus orchards. The elevated inclines are adorned with oak, birch, and beech trees. Above 6,500 feet, a limited number of plants are dispersed among ash, sand, and remnants of lava and slag.
The natrocarbonatite lava resembles viscous black oil and transforms to white upon contact with moisture-laden items. This whitening occurs practically instantaneously during rainfall. The peak possesses two summit craters. The southern one is dormant and contains volcanic ash. The active feature is the northern summit crater, which has a depth of 200 meters. Mount Lengai can be ascended to the summit and occasionally down to the crater, nearly reaching the edge of the molten lava flows.
Ascents are predominantly scheduled post-midnight to attain the summit at sunrise. Despite the challenging conditions due to the heat (40°C) and the necessity for trekkers to exercise utmost caution, the vistas from Mount Lengai are breathtaking. To the north lies Lake Natron, to the west is the Great Rift Valley, and the eastern region presents magnificent vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Directions to Ol Doinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai is reachable by road from Moshi or Arusha. You must drive to Ngaresero village (Lake Natron) to access Ol Doinyo Lengai. This entails approximately 8 hours of driving.
Accommodations for a visit to Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania
Accommodation choices for a visit to Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania encompass budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Your accommodation selection will rely on your preferences and financial constraints. Accommodation alternatives for a visit to Ol Doinyo Lengai including Lake Natron Tented Camp, Maasai Giraffes Eco Lodge, Lake Naron Camp, and Ngorongoro Wild Camp, among others. Reach out to us here for information regarding bookings and reservations.
What is the optimal time to visit Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania?
Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania can be visited year-round, with optimal conditions occurring from December to February and June to October, which are comparatively drier than the periods from March to May and November.
Guidance on Tanzania Visa and Work Permit
It is necessary to acquire the tourist visa. Numerous tourists opt to acquire their visas prior to their arrival in Tanzania; nevertheless, visas can be effortlessly purchased upon arrival at any entrance point in Tanzania by paying USD 100.00 for a Tourist Visa, which will be issued immediately. Documentation of yellow fever vaccination and a COVID-19 negative certificate may be required for travelers entering from impacted nations. Visa, work permit, and other entry and exit stipulations, including customs and quarantine laws, are subject to frequent modifications. We recommend that you reach out to your local Tanzanian embassy or this source for the most current travel advice regarding Tanzania.
Tanzania Car Rental Services
All Tanzania Safaris will assist you in arranging transportation in Tanzania based on your interests, budget, and the road conditions in the chosen sites inside the park. We propose Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers, priced from USD 200-250 per car per day with a driver/fixer, or 4×4 Safari Vans starting at USD 200 per van per day with a driver. To estimate fuel costs, we must examine your itinerary to determine the miles and distance to be covered.