Ol Doinyo Lengai (Mountain of God)
East African Rift, Tanzania
North of Arusha, near the Gregory Rift and Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai, or the "Mountain of God," is notable as the only place on earth to erupt a unique type of thinner, less viscose (and therefore faster flowing) magma known as natrocarbonatite, which is initially black or brown and turns white as snow as it cools.
The basics
The mountain is considered sacred for the Maasai people, who come to pray for rain, their livestock's success, and cures for illness and infertility. The mountain also draws non-Maasai hikers. While it's not an exceptionally high mountain, ascending it is challenging, and even travelers who have successfully hiked to the top of Kilimanjaro and back down again might struggle with Ol Doinyo Lengai’s steep trail.
Things to know before you go
Ol Doinyo Lengai is a rugged mountain to climb and shouldn’t be attempted without a guide.
The volcano erupts regularly, so don’t be disappointed if it turns out unsafe to hike during your visit.
Supportive shoes are an absolute requirement for hiking the mountain.
How to get there
Ol Doinyo Lengai is about a 6-hour drive from Arusha, but it’s not wise to attempt driving there alone with just a rental car. The only safe way to get to the mountain and up to the top of it is by joining a tour with an experienced guide; these generally include round-trip transportation from Arusha, Moshi, or the Kilimanjaro International Airport.
When to get there
Like elsewhere in Tanzania, Ol Doinyo Lengai is best visited during the dry season, which runs from late May or June until October. Most people opt to summit the mountain at night and reach the top for sunrise, though if you have good sun protection and aren't concerned about the heat, there's no reason why you can't come during the day.
Lake Natron
Not far from Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron is a massive lake known for its acidic waters due to high levels of sodium carbonate. Many animals avoid the lake due to its high PH levels, though it is a popular breeding area for flamingos. The lake also has a large number of microorganisms, the presence of which turns the lake a red color.
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