Mt Oldoinyo Lengai – The Sacred Mountain of God

Mt Oldoinyo Lengai – The Sacred Mountain of God

Mt Oldoinyo Lengai – The Sacred Mountain of God Mt Oldoinyo Lengai, known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maa-speaking Maasai people, is located south of Lake Natron in the Eastern Rift Valley of northern Tanzania. Standing at 2,878 meters above sea level, it is an active volcano renowned globally for its unique natrocarbonatite lava. Unlike typical volcanic lava, natrocarbonatite lava is highly fluid and cooler, making it distinct.

The lava from Mt Oldoinyo Lengai has an intriguing behavior: it is almost devoid of silicon and flows in a way that resembles black oil, but at times, it can appear mud-like. During the rainy season, the lava turns white upon contact with moisture, maintaining its white appearance longer in the dry season. The mountain also experiences explosive eruptions with lava fountains and ash ejections, as seen in the recent eruptions of 1966-1967 and 2007-2008. Typically, Mt Oldoinyo Lengai erupts every seven years, releasing plumes of smoke from its crater.

From the summit, the view is breathtaking. To the north, the barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretch out, with the Kenyan border beyond. To the east, Mt Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon, and to the west, the Great African Rift Valley’s forested escarpments and hills are visible. The Crater Highlands to the south, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, are a prime wildlife haven.

The climb to the summit of Mt Oldoinyo Lengai is physically demanding due to the high daytime temperatures (often exceeding 40°C), lack of water, and steep, unstable terrain. An early start is recommended, with the best approach coming from the west, where the sun can be avoided for a while.

This fascinating trek is often combined with Tanzania’s wildlife safari packages. If you’re interested in including Mt Oldoinyo Lengai in your adventure, please let us know. Asante Sana!