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Climb the Maasai Mountain of God, an active volcano, by night and see flamingos on Lake Natron
Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Mountain of God to the Maasai, is the only active volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava. Its near-perfect cone rises 2,962 m above the soda flats of Lake Natron, where lesser flamingos breed. The climb is short but very steep on loose ash, so it is done at night to avoid the heat: you start around midnight and reach the rim for sunrise. This trip includes two nights in a tented camp at Lake Natron, a walk up the Engare Sero gorge to the waterfall, flamingo viewing on the lakeshore, and all community and climbing fees.
Dry season and the Mara River crossings: the best game viewing, book early
Short rains: quieter parks, lower prices, lush scenery
Holidays and the calving season on the southern plains
Warm, end of the calving season, good value
Long rains: green and very quiet, our lowest prices
Drive about 5 hours north through Mto wa Mbu and down the Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Natron, with Ol Doinyo Lengai rising ahead. After lunch walk up the Engare Sero gorge, wading the river, to the waterfall. Early dinner and rest before the climb.
Leave camp at 23:00 and drive 45 minutes to the base. Climb about 5 to 6 hours on steep ash and rock to the crater rim for sunrise, look into the active crater, then descend 3 to 4 hours. After a rest, visit the ancient human footprints at Engare Sero and the flamingos on the lakeshore at sunset. About 8 km on foot for the climb, 1,700 m up and down.
A slow breakfast, then drive back up the escarpment to Arusha, arriving mid-afternoon.
Private transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport and your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, one way, for up to 4 people with luggage.
One more night in a mid-range Arusha hotel with breakfast, per person sharing a double room.
Tell us your dates and party size — we'll confirm availability and send a clear quote.