Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai

Lake Natron and Mt. Ol Doinyo Lengai are part of an untouched land of ancient origin in the northeast of Tanzania in-between the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti plains. This area is home of the Maasai, who have kept all their customs and have hardly been influenced by modern culture. Here, it is the remoteness and the dramatic landscape, rather than the variety of animals, that exert a powerful attraction.

2.5 million lesser flamingos take shelter in Lake Natron, making it a spectacular place. The ash and lava deposits from Ol Donyo Lengai give the lake a high saline content and transform it into a very important eco-system. Its surface has impressive purple and red brown colouring which is caused by millions of Cyanobacteria and Spirulina algae. These constitute the basic source of nutrition for the flamingos who build their nests on the water surface. Periodically, large parts of the lake are dried out and the place turns into an impressive white lunar landscape. Giraffes, zebras and other mammals are often seen nearby. This unique area, although it is very warm, is great for walking and photo shooting. Our walk will take us to the nearby Ngare Sero River that forms beautiful waterfalls on the rim of the Great Rift Valley. These waterfalls in turn disgorge into Lake Natron. Hiking through a gorge, we reach the Munge waterfalls that create a natural Jacuzzi type pool where you can enjoy swimming. African people believe that this area is bursting with positive energy and bathing here washes out all troubles and sins.

At the eastern side of the lake is the massive Mount Lengai with a height of 2,941 m. Ol Donyo Lengai in the Maasai language means ‘Mountain of God’. It is estimated to be about 350,000 – 400,000 years old. It is an active volcano whose last recorded eruption happened in 1966 and lesser eruptions in 2007 and 2008. The foothills of the mountain are green and Massai are often seen grazing their cattle and goats. When there is no fear of a sudden eruption, we can arrange a climb up to the top of the volcano so that adventurous visitors can admire the steaming crater and the lava flows. Other visitors prefer to view its symmetrical cone from a distance and to enjoy the great views of the surrounding landscapes of the Rift Valley. We start this ascent very early in the morning so that we can reach the top in time to watch the magnificent sunrise.

This trekking route to Lake Natron, the waterfalls and Mt. Ol Doinyo Lengai is one of the highlights of the activities of Active Tanzania Adventures. It offers an off the beaten track excursion to places of extraordinary natural beauty.

This excursion can be arranged all year round. We either stay in beautiful tented camps, or we use our own gear to camp in public campsites. Have a look at our itinerary and contact us to arrange this special excursion together.