Conquer the Sacred Oldonyo Lengai: Experience Breathtaking Summit Sunrises and Thriving Flamingo Shores Without the Crowds, Even If You’re New to Volcanic Adventures!
Oldoinyo Lengai, standing at 2,870 meters (9,650 ft) on the southern shore of Lake Natron, is an active volcano and a sacred site to the Maasai, known as the “Mountain of God.” This nearly perfect cone occasionally erupts, offering the unique experience of walking on steaming, freshly-formed ground. The journey includes a challenging drive from Arusha or Ngorongoro, leading to camps near the lake where you can visit waterfalls, relax by the river, or witness massive flamingo colonies at the alkaline lake. As the world’s only active sodium carbonate volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai promises an unforgettable adventure, combining breathtaking nature, cultural exploration, and a summit climb like no other.
If you opt for pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Buffalo Grass Safaris Adventures & Safaris driver will warmly welcome you upon arrival. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride to your hotel in Arusha, Tanzania’s renowned ‘safari capital.’ Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of this vibrant and bustling city. Depending on your arrival time, your pre-hiking briefing will either be conducted today or early tomorrow morning, ensuring you’re prepared for your adventure.
Start your day with an early 7:00 am departure from Arusha after breakfast, heading to Ngaresero village near Lake Natron. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Eastern Rift Valley, passing Mto wa Mbu, spotting wildlife, and experiencing the vibrant culture of the Maasai people. Arrive at Oldoinyo Lengai in the afternoon, where you’ll settle into a public camp and enjoy a picnic lunch. After freshening up, take an evening walk to explore nearby waterfalls and Maasai villages before returning to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay on a full-board basis.
Accommodation: Lake Natron Camp
At midnight, after enjoying refreshing tea and cookies, your driver will take you to the base of Oldoinyo Lengai, marking the start of your climbing adventure. Rising 2,962m above sea level, this volcanic mountain, known as the "Mountain of God" in Maasai, lies south of Lake Natron and east of the Ngorongoro Crater. Guided by an expert, you'll embark on a challenging 6-7 hour ascent to the summit, renowned for its unique natrocarbonatite lava. After capturing breathtaking views and photos, descend the mountain in 3-4 hours, meet your driver, and return to camp for relaxation, lunch, and an overnight stay on a full-board basis.
Accommodation: Lake Natron Camp
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Lake Natron with your local guide. This stunning alkaline lake is a vital breeding ground for three-quarters of the world’s Lesser Flamingos. Along the way, enjoy an enriching visit to a Maasai “Boma” village, where you can interact with the Maasai and learn about their unique culture and traditions. After exploring Lake Natron and its surroundings, return to camp for a hot lunch and prepare for your journey back to Arusha.
Upon Booking a tour with Buffalo Grass Safaris Expert and Once booking is done. A 30% deposit is requires in order to do initial payment to accommodation, transportation and other suppliers to secure the booking. The remaining balance is due no later than six (6) weeks before the start of the trip. For bookings made within six weeks of departure, full payment is required upon confirmation. All payments should cover the agreed safari price. Any applicable bank charges or payment processing fees will be communicated to the client before payment. Payment instructions will be provided during the booking process. Our team will be available to assist with any questions regarding payment arrangements.
If you need to cancel your safari, please notify Buffalo Grass Safaris Expert Limited in writing by email or official message. Cancellation charges are calculated per person according to the date we receive your written cancellation notice. The following cancellation policy applies:
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more | Loss of deposit |
| 60–45 days | 25% of the total safari cost |
| 44–29 days | 60% of the total safari cost |
| 28–7 days | 90% of the total safari cost |
| Less than 7 days | 100% of the total safari cost |
These charges reflect the costs and commitments associated with securing safari services, including accommodation, park arrangements, and other supplier bookings. Where a refund is applicable, it will be processed to the original payment method within a reasonable period. Any applicable bank or payment processing charges will be communicated to the client. If you need to change your travel dates or make adjustments to your itinerary instead of cancelling, please contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability and any additional costs.
Bank details and payment instructions · Full Terms & Conditions
