Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano
The ‘Mountain of God’ with the coldest erupting lava in the world
Ol Doinyo Lengai, meaning “Mountain of God” in the language of the Maasai, is an active volcano located in the Gregory Rift. Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique in that it contains natrocarbonatite lava, which compared to the usual silicate lava, erupts at much lower temperatures. It is the only volcano on earth of it’s kind!
The 4 to 6 hour ascent of the volcano is very stepy and challenging but worth the effort. Before you reach the top, you’ll pass through what is known as the “Pearly Gates”, two white towers of lava from an eruption around 12,000 years ago. The climb is done overnight because there is too much direct sunlight during the day.
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano
Recommendations:
- We recommend combining this climb with a few relaxing days at Lake Natron.
- Tanzania travel tips
Ol Doinyo Lengai crater view
Ol Doinyo Lengai hike
Ol Doinyo Lengai zebras in the savannah
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