Ol Doinyo Lengai climb in northern Tanzania that offers fit and adventurous souls a very challenging night-time hike

Where is Ol Doinyo Lengai?

Ol Doinyo Lengai sits just next to the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. So it’s part of the intersection between the highlands and the great plain below. It’s also only a stone’s throw from Lake Natron and the Ngare Sero waterfall.

How high is Ol Doinyo Lengai?

Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano in northern Tanzania, and so has a large crater at the summit. The highest point of the crater rim is 3,188 m (10,459 ft) above sea level.

You start the climb at an elevation of roughly 1,100 meters (3,600 ft). This means you climb two vertical kilometres to reach the top!

How long is the climb?

The ascent takes anywhere between four to six hours, depending on your fitness. The descent takes about the same length of time.

How much does it cost?

The cost of an Ol Doinyo Lengai climb will depend on where you’re staying, as each establishment will organise your climb for you and will have a different price. Price  range from 1435 dollars all inclusive

That said, you can normally expect to pay in the region of US$70 for an Ol Doinyo Lengai climb, provided you’re not a solo climber. You’re likely to pay around $100 for a solo climb. This fee should include a guide, food and drinking water, but always check on what’s included beforehand.

Transport

Note that you may well be charged for your transport to and from the mountain. While Ol Doinyo Lengai is close to the accommodation options at nearby Lake Natron, you still need to drive a little ways along a bumpy dirt road. Your transport figure could well be the biggest one you pay for the climb. The more of you there are, the less you’ll each need to fork out for the vehicle.

Tip

We also recommend bringing along some cash to tip your guide afterwards (provided, of course, that you were happy with the service). Tipping is customary in Tanzania and is always very much appreciated. We recommend somewhere around US$10 as an overall tip.

Which is the best season to climb?

You can climb Ol Doinyo Lengai at any time of the year. The volcano is in an arid savannah region where there isn’t too much rain.

As mentioned, the volcano is close to the Equator, so temperatures don’t vary overly much from month to month. Daytime temperatures are usually in the twenties celsius, and regularly move above 30℃ between September and March. April tends to be the rainiest month.

Where do I stay?

There are a few lodges and luxury camps at nearby Lake Natron and Ngare Sero village where you can stay. You have a choice between budget and more luxurious accommodation, depending on your preference and the heft of your wallet.

Our personal recommendation is Lake Natron Camp, an eco-friendly establishment that offers glamping accommodation. Here you can take a stroll of just a few metres from your tent to cool off in a ribbon of the Saitoti River as it meanders towards Lake Natron. Heavenly!