Ol Doinyo Lengai

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 Tanzania

Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano

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Ol Doinyo Lengai crater view

Ol Doinyo Lengai crater view

Ol Doinyo Lengai maasai hike

Ol Doinyo Lengai hike

Ol Doinyo Lengai zebras savannah

Ol Doinyo Lengai zebras in the savannah

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