Oldoinyo Lengai (3450 meters) is an active volcano on the southern shore of Lake Natron. This impressive peak is revered by the Maasai as the sacred home of God. A nearly perfect cone, it still erupts occasionally and you may have the opportunity to walk on still-steaming new ground. It is a tough drive about 3 hours off the main road between Arusha and Ngorongoro. Oldoinyo Lengai is the only active Sodium Carbonite Volcano in the world.
The Ngorongoro crater is part of a larger ecosystem that includes the Crater highlands a range of volcanoes that stretch to the North East, some still active. This is a remote and extreme area of unique beauty. So remote that it was also the hideout for armed bandits in the early 90’s. The situation has now changed and this wonderful area is once again safe.
The whole area is wonderful for trekking and climbing. The last volcano in the chain is Oldoinyo Lengai a perfectly conical live volcano that rises to 3450 Metres. Oldoinyo Lengai is an active volcano on the southern shore of Lake Natron. This impressive peak is revered by the Maasai as the sacred home of God. A nearly perfect cone, it still erupts occasionally and you may have the opportunity to walk on still-steaming new ground. It is a tough drive about 3 hours off the main road between Arusha and Ngorongoro. Oldoinyo Lengai is the only active Sodium Carbonite Volcano in the world.
It is a tough climb because of the heat, the difficult terrain and prickly vegetation but it is manageable for reasonably fit people and with no special equipment. The tough climb is rewarded by marvellous views over Lake Natron and the moonlike landscape that surrounds it as well as the view of the bubbling magma flows at the top. The volcano does appear to erupt about once every ten years so be warned. You leave before dawn to avoid the heat of the day and return by midday or alternatively the hardy can make some shade and camp at the top overnight, apparently a truly amazing if slightly scary experience.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is an eerily beautiful soda Lake set in a desolate landscape with the conical Oldoinyo Lengai towering behind. It is uniquely breathtakingly beautiful and one of those sights that rest implanted in the mind for life. The landscape and the lake itself with its high concentration of sodium are inhospitable to wildlife with the exception of the lesser flamingo. With some several hundred thousand birds, this is this most important breeding ground for flamingos in the world.
There is no accommodation in the area of Lake Natron so the only option is to camp. The camping areas are hot and not the best but this spectacular area comes at a price. The minimum stay is two nights to justify us bringing the extra vehicle all this way from Arusha. To find a more detailed description of the various levels of camping comfort that we offer please see Where to stay: Camping safari
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Northern Tanzania Safari 
