Ol Doinyo Lengai — “Mountain of God” in the Maa language — is a sacred place for the Maasai and one of the most unusual volcanoes on Earth. Its lava is natrocarbonatite, which flows black and cools to white, giving the summit its snow-like streaks.
The climb starts around midnight so you reach the top at sunrise and descend before the day gets hot. It is steep and demanding, but the view over Lake Natron, the Rift escarpment and, on clear days, Kilimanjaro is unforgettable.
Good to know
- Summit: about 2,960 m
- Start: around midnight, to reach the top at sunrise
- Fitness: good — the upper slopes are steep and loose
- Bring a head torch, warm layers, gloves and plenty of water
