3-day Lake Natron Tour and Oldoinyo Lengai Climb
3 Days Lake Natron Tour and Oldoinyo Lengai Climb Overview
Adventure awaits in beautiful, remote Lake Natron.
This oft-overlooked gem sits just outside of the Ngorongoro Highlands, but may also be accessed through Longido (near the border to Kenya).
Found there are two unique geographical wonders: the world’s only natrocarbonatite volcano, and Lake Natron, a highly-alkaline lake that is uninhabitable by most species, be it fish or birds.
The area is famous as the nesting grounds for Lesser Flamingos, and because the volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai is sacred to the local Maasai tribe.
The 3-day tour includes transport to Lake Natron, camping in the area, and a trek to reach the top of Oldoinyo Lengai, known as the “Mountain of God” to the Maasai.
This tour is designed to be a camping safari, and could be combined with other tours, such as trips to Arusha National Park or Ngorongoro Crater.
DETAILS:
No. of Days in Tour: 3
Maximum Altitude: 2,962 meters
Overnight Accommodations: Camping
Number of days to Climb: 1
(We advise climbers be in good physical condition to attempt a summit of Oldoinyo Lengai)
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Natron
Depart from Arusha after breakfast.
The drive takes 5-6 hours, depending on the road conditions.
Set up camp and enjoy a drive to the Lakeshore, or a 3-hr hike (total time for go and return) to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls to stretch your legs and enjoy the refreshing waterfalls (there is a natural pool, ideal for swimming).
Enjoy an early dinner and rest, as your Oldoinyo Lengai Trek begins just after midnight.
Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 2: Trek Oldoinyo Lengai Volcano (2,962 m)
Rise around midnight and enjoy a light snack and hot beverage to fuel you for the coming trek.
Your vehicle will transfer you to the base of Oldoinyo Lengai. The trailhead begins in the tall grass, and you will begin the hike in the dark, walking only by the light of your headlamps.
The total trek takes 4-6 hours, and is very steep (trekking poles are highly recommended). There are rest stops along the way and you may bring snacks to eat as you climb.
You should arrive at the peak around 5:30 or 6:00 am in order to catch the sunrise. There will be a slight scent of sulfur in the air, this is from the vents that emit warm air from the core of the active volcano.
As the day begins, you will see more and more of the surrounding landscape; the Ngorongoro Highlands and sparkling Lake Natron in the distance.
Pass by the Ash Cone and Crater rim, the begin descent.
Note: the descent of Oldoinyo Lengai is one of the more difficult aspects of this trek. Trekking poles are highly suggested, as it is very very steep. Hiking boots with good tread are a must.
It takes 4-5 hours to descent Legnai, for a total trek time of 8-10 hours.
Your vehicle will be waiting to collect you once you reach the base, and return to your camp for a delicious brunch.
The remainder of the day is for resting, you may sleep or relax around camp. In the early evening, you may visit the Acacia Grove were giraffes are commonly spotted.
All meals provided. Overnight camping in tents.
Day 3: Visit Lake Natron, return to Arusha
After breakfast, begin breaking down camp and drive to the lakefront of Lake Natron.
Enjoy views of the flamingos and learn about this intense, alkaline lake that is the only one of its kind in the world.
After, you may explore the site of the Hominid Footprints, which have been studied by National Geographic and Discover Channel. The footprints and hoof prints could be as many as 5,000 and 19,000 years old.
The preserved prints are debated if they are from mud or perhaps hot lava. Either way, it is proof that humans and cattle have lived in this area for thousands of years.
After, begin drive back to Arusha, with a picnic lunch along the way.
Breakfast, lunch and transport included.
It’s always an adventure with Real Adventure Safaris!
