Tough Mountaineer? Here’s One More to Climb
… An Active Volcano This Time
The thrill of climbing an active volcano is irresistible to the committed mountaineer. If you belong to that dedicated group, then Ol Doinyo Lengai (the mountain of God in the Maasai language) beckons.
But, prepare yourself mentally and physically, then go for it.
Imagine the thrill of climbing an active volcano (not when it’s erupting, of course). And doing so at night.
Situated south of Lake Natron, some 240 kilometers northwest of Arusha town, in Tanzania, Ol Doinyo Lengai is East Africa’s only active volcano. The mountain’s last notable eruption was in 1966, with minor eruptions in 1983, 2007, and 2013.
CLIMBING
The mountain, on the East African Rift Valley, rises to a height of approximately 2,878 meters (9,442 feet). It’s possible to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai without special equipment.
However, it’s not an easy climb. You need to be physically fit and have no fear of heights. It’s an almost vertical climb as you will climb more than 1,600 meters within just five kilometers.
You may need to go on all fours in some places.
Night climbing
Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai offers a unique experience. For one, due to the high temperatures in the area, it’s best to climb the mountain at night. This just adds to the excitement and sense of adventure.
Secondly, since the climb takes some six hours, you need to set off at midnight – wearing headlights. It’s advisable to layer your clothing, so you can peel it off as the day gets warmer.
You will reach the summit at daybreak, to some unforgettable sunrise sights. To the north, you will see Lake Natron, to the west, the Great Rift Valley, while to the east you will enjoy the majestic views of the great Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
Enjoy all this against a background of a gentile purr of magma.
Rare type of lava
Ol Doinyo Lengai attracts geologists, mountaineers, and adventurers. The hike up and down the mountain is a memorable geological excursion through volcanic topographies.
The mountain is the only active volcano known to release natrocarbonatite, a rare type of lava containing low levels of silica, but high levels of calcium carbonate, potassium, and sodium.
Lava that is low in silica has a low viscosity so it flows fast. You don’t want to be on the mountain slopes when Ol Doinyo Lengai erupts.
The natrocarbonatite lava is black but turns white on exposure to moisture. So, from a distance, Ol Doinyo Lengai looks like a snow-capped mountain.
DESCENDING
Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai requires grit and determination; descending requires extreme caution. In some places, the mountain slope is covered by a thin, smooth, slippery layer of volcanic rock, with loose ash underneath.
You need to be certain of your step as you descend.
Going down the mountain usually takes some five or so hours.
WHERE TO STAY
The area around Ol Doinyo Lengai and Lake Natron offers accommodation ranging from the basic, somewhat rugged, to a few high-end lodgings.
The rugged places add to the appeal of the destination – pure and natural.
THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB
You can visit and climb Ol Doinyo Lengai any time of the year. However, it’s best to avoid the rainy seasons of March to May and October to early November.
The most favorable time is the second half of November to early March, then July to September.
Final thoughts
You could do Ol Doinyo Lengai as part of a regional excursion that also covers Lake Natron, Arusha, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
You may also choose to head to Ol Doinyo Lengai and climb. Simple.
Whatever you prefer, prepare yourself mentally and physically for scaling the Mountain of God. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
About the Creator
Wanjiru Ciira
I'm a story-teller with an interest in the human condition. I write on relationships, health, aging, parenting, travel, and fiction. I've a background in journalism - feature-writing, reporting, and investigative journalism.
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Comments (1)
Thanks Wanjiru for this captivating story! That excursion, should be planned!