Ol Doinyo Lengai
The 'Mountain of God' to the Maasai, the only active volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava. Climb it overnight to see the sunrise.
This active volcano rises to about 2,960 metres. Its erupted natrocarbonatite lava is cool and turns white as it solidifies, so the summit looks like it is covered in snow. The classic route starts around midnight, with a climb of 5 to 6 hours in the dark over steep, loose scree. Around sunrise you reach the summit, where you can look down into the crater and across to Lake Natron. The descent takes about 3 hours. The whole trip is extremely strenuous and requires good fitness. A local guide is mandatory, and the cost of the mountain fees, including the guide, is about 100 to 150 US dollars. There were strong eruptions in 2007 and 2008, so check the volcano's current activity status before setting out.
Opening hours
Departs approx. 00:00; reach the summit for sunrise