Odoinyo Lengai

Odoinyo Lengai: The Mountain of God

Overview: Odoinyo Lengai, known as the Mountain of God to the Masai people, is an active volcano located along the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania. Standing as an almost perfect cone, this majestic volcano offers a unique and thrilling experience for adventurers. Here’s what you need to know about Odoinyo Lengai:

Geological Features:

Location: Western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Natron.
Height: 4566 meters, rising about 2000m from the East African Rift Valley depression.
Summit Craters: The volcano has two summit craters, with the northern one being active. The southern crater is inactive and filled with volcanic ash.

Odoinyo Lengai

Volcanic Activity:

Historical eruptions have been recorded since the late 19th century.
Periodic eruptions include lava flows, fissures, spatter cones, and hornitos within the crater.
Ash deposits from eruptions whiten the slopes, resembling snow.

Lake Natron:

Located at the base of Odoinyo Lengai.
Highly alkaline lake fed by mineral-rich springs.
Breeding site for Lesser Flamingoes, accounting for 75% of the global population.
Lake Natron region is a significant paleoanthropological site with ancient hominin footprints.

Tourist Activities:

Hiking the Volcano:
- Challenging climb to the summit, taking 6 to 9 hours.
- Breathtaking views of volcanic formations in the Ngorongoro Crater highlands.
- Ascent usually begins at midnight to reach the summit at dawn.
Walking Safaris:
- Ideal for exploring the area on foot with armed Masai guides.
- Opportunities to observe bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and geese.
- Encounter various wildlife such as wildebeests, baboons, monitor lizards, and more.
Community Encounters:
- Visit nearby Maasai Bomas to learn about their cultures, traditions, and taboos.

Best Time to Visit:

All-year-round, with consideration for possible closures during volcanic activity.
Dry season (June to October) is preferable for climbing due to dry slopes.

Where to Stay:

Accommodations at the base of the volcano near Lake Natron, such as Moivaro Lake Natron Tented Camp and Ngare Sero Lake Natron Camp.

Odoinyo Lengai offers a unique blend of geological wonders, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, a visit to this “Mountain of God” promises an unforgettable adventure.