Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain is a famous feature along the northern circuit of Tanzania with the Masaai people living along its slopes, they commonly refer to the Mountain as the “Mountain of God” due to its fame and findings around it, the mountain influences so much activity of the Lake Natron and is responsible for its minerals which turn the lake waters into red, the high alkaline levels make it poisonous and animals can barely drink from it, for those that do it is said that they are easily turned into mummies or dead. The summit of the mountain is placed approximately2,878 meters above sea level.
Ol Doinyo Lengai Hiking is challenging based on the steep slopes of the mountain, the temperatures are hot, and many people who hike the mountain find it difficult to cope with the temperatures, the mountain is an active volcano, it is uniquely different from other volcanic mountains despite it having the same effect of the movement of tectonic plates, the kind of rather it produces black and is much cooler than red lava, it is rich in minerals. Climbing the mountain is one of the most thrilling experiences despite people finding it hard to do the activity.
Ol Doinyo Lengai hike takes 2-3 days to reach the summit, along the slopes of the mountain travellers will realise the distinctive features of the mountain, the strato volcanoes boast several layers of rock that recently erupted as a result of volcanicity, and the climb up takes 6-8 hours depending on the speed of the last person, hiking the mountain is appreciated by those that reach out to it, thrilling and super satisfying, the mountain is continuous due to its constant effusion. Along the walk to the summit, guests have the chance to experience Engaresero waterfalls.
Ol Doinyo Lengai hiking can be done all year round but is best during the dry season between December –February and June –September when the trails are much drier and easier to access, it used to be a super remote region, but thanks to development there have been many upgraded recently including the many dotted accommodation facilities ranging from the best budget to luxury example facilities include Africa safari Lake Natron, Lengai safari lodge among other facilities.
Other activities to do around Lake Natron besides the hike include flamingo walk, the banks of the lake and the presence of algae attracts many greater and lesser flamingoes, it is one of the largest breeding places of flamingoes in the world despite it not being as fit for other species, expect to see birds nesting along the marsh swampy areas are relaxed and nesting. Visit the Masai people, who are the original inhabitants of the mountain, they live along the slopes of the mountain in communities, these present their traditional style, their way of living and how to dance to their traditional songs.
In conclusion, trips to the national park can be combined with those to other conservation areas of northern Tanzania including Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park and the famous Serengeti National Park.