Mount Ol Donyo Lengai

Why go

Discover what makes Mount Ol Donyo Lengai special

Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, rising to approximately 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), is one of Tanzania’s most unique and spiritually significant mountains. Known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai people, Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava, a rare type of lava that is cooler, darker, and more fluid than typical basaltic lava. Located in the dramatic landscapes of northern Tanzania near Lake Natron, hiking Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is an adventurous and deeply rewarding experience that combines geology, culture, and raw wilderness.

Unlike Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, Ol Doinyo Lengai is not a multi-day trekking mountain. It is usually climbed overnight in a single, intense ascent, making it ideal for adventurous hikers seeking a physically demanding challenge and a unique volcanic experience.

Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is located in northern Tanzania, within the Gregory Rift of the Great Rift Valley, near the southern shores of Lake Natron. The mountain lies close to the border with Kenya and is surrounded by vast volcanic plains, lava fields, and Maasai communities. Its remote location offers an untouched wilderness atmosphere and spectacular views of Lake Natron, the Rift Valley escarpments, and neighboring volcanic formations.