Ol Doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai rises as a near-perfect cone from the floor of the Rift Valley, just south of Lake Natron. Its name means "Mountain of God" in the Maasai language, and it remains a sacred place for the Maasai who live around it.

A Volcano Like No Other

Lengai is the only active volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava. Unlike ordinary silicate lava, it is rich in sodium and potassium carbonates, erupts at only about 500–600°C and is so fluid that it flows like water. Fresh flows are black or dark brown and turn white within days as they react with moisture in the air, which gives the summit its snow-dusted look.

Still Active

The volcano is in almost constant low-level activity, with small lava flows and spatter cones inside the summit crater. Its last major explosive eruption was in 2007–2008, which sent ash across the surrounding plains and reshaped the crater. Climbs are made with local guides who follow the volcano's activity closely.

Lake Natron

The climb starts from Engare Sero on the southern shore of Lake Natron, a shallow soda lake that is the most important breeding site for lesser flamingos in East Africa. Most visitors combine the volcano with walks to the lake shore and the Engare Sero waterfalls.