Mount Oldony Lengai

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Exploring the Wonders of Mount Oldony Lengai

Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, often misspelled as Ol Donyo Lengai, rises to 2,890 meters above sea level and is located around 240 kilometers northwest of Arusha City, perched on the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. It overlooks Lake Natron, a reddish-hued, flamingo-filled lake that lies on the Kenya-Tanzania border. The Maasai people, who inhabit the region, refer to it as "Oldoinyo Lengai," meaning the "Mountain of God" in the Maa language, due to its spiritual significance.

Mount Oldoinyo Lengai, a sacred site for the Maasai, is situated to the south of Lake Natron, within Tanzania’s Eastern Rift Valley. Standing at 2,878 meters above sea level, this active volcano is renowned worldwide for its natrocarbonatite lava, which is notably more fluid and cooler compared to other volcanic lavas. Sherpa Travels offers the opportunity to explore this fascinating and culturally significant peak, making it a unique experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Learn About the Fascinating Mount Oldony Lengai

Natrocarbonatite lava, found on Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, contains minimal silicon and has a unique flow, often resembling black oil but sometimes appearing more like mud. When this lava comes into contact with moisture, it turns white, and during the rainy season, it quickly takes on this color, remaining white longer throughout the dry season.

Mount Oldoinyo Lengai also experiences explosive eruptions, during which the lava can contain more silicate material. These eruptions often begin with powerful lava fountains, but instead of fluid lava, they result in ash eruptions, rock ejections, and explosions. The most recent explosive eruptions occurred between 1966-1967 and 2007-2008. Typically, Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai erupts every seven years, with plumes of smoke billowing from its crater. During calmer periods, visitors can walk down into the crater, getting close to the molten lava flows.

From the summit, the view to the north stretches over the hot, barren salt flats of Lake Natron, which leads to the Kenyan border. Temperatures around the lake often exceed 40°C, with only a few animals surviving the harsh environment. However, flamingos thrive here, using the lake's salty surface as a nesting ground. To the east, Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon, while to the west, the forested escarpments and hills form the western slopes of the Great Rift Valley. To the south, the Crater Highlands unfold, with Ngorongoro being one of Africa’s top wildlife conservation areas.

Sherpa Travels offers guided tours to this magnificent location, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience.

We are a dedicated team of safari experts, driven by passion and inspiration, with a combined experience spanning many years.

Information

Phone

+255 784 544 155
+255 754 368308
+1 201 884 4509

Email

askme@sherpatravelstz.com

Address

107, Ndurmanga Road, (Near: Police Station), Usa River, Arusha, Tanzania