Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai

Mountain of God

Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai, standing at 2,878 meters above the Soda Ash Lake Natron, Mountain of GOD as known to the Maasai community who inhabit the area, is located in the Ngorongoro highlands and the African Rift valley about 120 kilometers northwest of Arusha, Tanzania. Maasai have used the Holly Lengai for prayer to their GOD known as NGAI since their forefathers. Ol doinyo Lengai is the world’s only active volcano that spews natrocarbonatite lava, which is cooler than other lavas.

Minor eruptions occur frequently on the mountain, forming cone-like structures at the crater’s base. While on the summit of Mountain Ol’doinyo Lengai, one can clearly see the Soda Lake Natron, which houses and provides good nesting sites for various bird species, particularly flamingos, pelicans, and geese. Additionally, more than 350 different types have been recorded to date.

Wildlife & Cultural Interactions

In comparison to the other highest mountains in Tanzania, Lengai takes about six to seven hours to reach the summit crater. The Mountain is also an excellent location for a walking safari led by Maasai guides armed with weapons. Tourists can see olive baboons, velvet, monitor lizards, hyenas, lions, leopards, jackals, Grant’s gazelle, impalas, and also zebras. Nearby are the Maasai BOMAS, which allows you to interact with the indigenous people and learn about their cultures, taboos, as well as traditions.