Mt Oldoinyo Lengai
Mt Oldoinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai, “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, is an active volcano located in the Gregory Rift, south of Lake Natron within the Arusha Region of Tanzania. Part of the volcanic system of the East African Rift, it uniquely produces natrocarbonatite lava, a highly fluid that contains no silicon, much cooler and less viscous than the basaltic lavas. Latest eruption on this mountain was on 7 Dec 2017.
The climb is more demanding than the final ascent of Kilimanjaro, but without the awful oxygen starvation. It starts smoothly in sandy ground surrounded by tall grass. As you reach the lower slopes, vegetation becomes scarce to nonexistent and the inclination reaches 30° forcing you to use your hands very often. The rocks are covered in ash and the smell of sulphur becomes stronger. Volcanic gases can be seen coming out of cracks and holes in the mountain. You will reach the crater before sunrise. You will hear and see lava down in the crater, but it is about 100 meters down. The view are fantastic.
