This trip bases you near Lake Natron, at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai, with an afternoon to rest and a briefing before a very early start. The climb begins around midnight to beat the heat: five to seven hours up roughly 1,600 vertical metres of steep, loose volcanic ash and scrambly rock, reaching the crater rim for sunrise over the Rift Valley and the soda flats of Lake Natron. After time at the top you descend the same way, aiming to be off the mountain before mid-morning.
It is one of Tanzania's most physically demanding treks for its length and is only suitable for fit, sure-footed people. The day around it usually includes Lake Natron's flamingos, the waterfalls in the Engare Sero gorge, and — for those continuing north — the Serengeti.
Drive to Lake Natron (from Arusha or the Ngorongoro area), afternoon at leisure with an optional walk to the Engare Sero waterfalls, and an early dinner before the climb.
Depart around midnight for the 5–7 hour ascent to the active summit crater, reaching the rim for sunrise. Descend in the morning, rest, and visit the Lake Natron flats and flamingos before onward travel.
English
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
中文
日本語
