Duration

3 Days

Country

Tanzania

Best Time

All year

Price From

$

Overview
Itinerary
Costs & Inclusions
Travel Info
FAQ

3-Day Tanzania Volcano Hike & Lake Natron Tour

On this 3-day adventure, you will hike to the summit of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron, visit the lake to see thousands of flamingos, hike to the scenic Ngare Sero Waterfalls, and learn about local traditions with Maasai guides.

This tour is designed for physically fit travelers who are healthy and prepared for a challenging and rewarding trek.

3-Day Tanzania Volcano Hike & Lake Natron Tour Package

Your journey to conquer the “Mountain of God” begins with an early morning departure from Arusha or Moshi. You will travel by 4×4 vehicle on a 6-8-hour drive to the remote Ngaresero village in the dramatic Lake Natron basin. This region is known for its stark, beautiful, and otherworldly landscapes.

Upon arrival, you will have lunch and settle into your accommodation at Lake Natron Camp (or a similar camp/lodge) to rest and prepare. The ascent of Oldoinyo Lengai starts around midnight to avoid the intense daytime heat and to reach the summit for a spectacular sunrise.

Midnight Start & The Ascent. At approximately 11:00 PM, you will be awakened with hot tea or coffee and a light snack. You will then meet your experienced Maasai mountain guide for a final briefing. The challenging night trek begins, taking you up the steep, scree-covered slopes. The climb is demanding but manageable with proper pacing and determination. Camping services are available for rest, ensuring you have support throughout the ascent.

The Summit & Descent. Your goal is to reach the summit crater as dawn breaks, offering breathtaking 360-degree views over Lake Natron and the Great Rift Valley. After spending time at the summit, you will begin your descent, returning to the base camp by mid-morning for a well-earned rest and brunch.

Summit Day & Descent

Your climb continues in the early morning hours with the goal of reaching the summit of Oldoinyo Lengai at sunrise. As the first light breaks, you will witness an unforgettable moment: the Great Rift Valley awakens below you, bathed in golden light.

From the summit, you will enjoy panoramic views in every direction:

  • To the North: The vast, shimmering salt flats of Lake Natron.

  • To the East: The distant silhouette of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment.

  • To the South: The rolling Ngorongoro Highlands and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

  • To the West: Views stretching toward the Kenyan border.

With your guide, you will safely explore the peak and its unique volcanic features. You’ll enjoy a memorable picnic breakfast at the summit before beginning your descent back to base.

Upon returning to your campsite or tented lodge at Lake Natron, a refreshing lunch and time to rest await. In the afternoon, you will visit the shoreline of Lake Natron itself, a short distance away, for the chance to view thousands of Lesser Flamingos in their remote and spectacular natural habitat.

After a final breakfast at your accommodation, you will begin your scenic return journey by road to Arusha or Moshi. This transfer concludes your Oldoinyo Lengai volcano trek and Lake Natron adventure.

The specific return location will be determined by your overall Tanzania safari itinerary. Our team will ensure seamless coordination, whether you are heading directly to the airport, continuing to another safari destination like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, or checking into a hotel for further rest and relaxation.

Costs & Inclusions

5 Days Oldonyo Lengai climbing price
Pax 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax+
Price $ $ $ $
  • Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha
  • Full board accommodation on safari
  • All entrance fees and Government taxes.
  • Services of Professional multilingual driver-guide and cook.
  • Enough litters of mineral water per person per day.
  • Safari jeep 4×4 with pop up roof suitable for game viewing
  • Unlimited mileage on the safari
  • Fruits and fresh drinks
  • International and local airfare.
  • Personal expenses example Laundry, beverages, etc.
  • Yellow fever vaccinations
  • Items of a personal nature such as passport, visa, and traveler’s insurance.
  • Tips for driver-guide
Click Here to View Terms & Conditions or download a pdf file

Booking Process

If you’re satisfied enough with the information, you can book this tour directly, remember to confirm your booking with a deposit of 40% of the total cost per person. This is needed to secure accommodation and other services which belong to third parties.

At that point, we will issue you with an invoice that includes a balance due date. We must receive the full payment not less than thirty (30) days before the departure date.

In the case of holidays booked within less than thirty (30) days of the departure date, we must receive the full cost within seven (7) working days of our sending written confirmation and invoice.

In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit, as well as any other cancellation charges.

Before you do any payment don’t hesitate to discuss with your tour planner the best option. Your satisfaction is our happiness.

Meet Elibariki,

Your Safari Specialist

+255 742 696 430
(Call or WhatsApp)

Meet Elibariki,

Your Safari Specialist

+255 742 696 430
(Call or WhatsApp)

Frequently Asked Questions:  For Ol Doinyo Lengai Climbing

frequent asked question for ndutu migration

1. How difficult is the Ol Doinyo Lengai climb?
The Ol Doinyo Lengai hike is considered challenging. It involves a steep 6-7-hour night ascent on loose volcanic scree to reach the 2,962-meter summit. Good physical fitness, proper hiking shoes, and determination are essential.

2. What is the best time to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai?
The best times are during the cooler, drier months: June to October and December to February. Climbing is typically done at night to avoid extreme daytime heat.

3. What should I pack for the Ol Doinyo Lengai trek?
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp, warm layers for the summit cold, plenty of water, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.

4. Are guides required for the Ol Doinyo Lengai climb?
Yes, climbing with a certified local Maasai guide is mandatory for safety and to obtain the necessary permits. Our packages include expert guides who know the terrain and conditions.

5. Can I combine the volcano climb with a safari?
Absolutely. Most travelers combine the 3-day Ol Doinyo Lengai climb with a Serengeti safari or a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. We can create a seamless itinerary that includes both adventure and wildlife viewing.