The chance to climb an active volcano!

 

Oldoinyo Lengai (or Mountain of God to the Masai people) is Tanzania's only active volcano, erupting fairly regularly and belching smoke and ash clouds up to a kilometer into the air. The volcano erupted vigorously in September 2007 and since then the usual climbing route up the western face of Oldoinyo Lengai has been covered over by a lava flow and the new route takes climbers up the east and south eastern ridges.

 

The Oldoinyo Lengai climb is extremely strenuous, starting at 1200 meters (4000 feet) and climbing to 2890 meters (9500 feet). Climbers usually begin the steep climb around midnight, and the estimated time is 6 hours although it depends on the individual's level of fitness and the current status of the volcano itself. The summit is reached by sunrise which is absolutely spectacular, exposing the stark desolate landscape around the volcano. After sunrise, there is a bit of time to explore the crater and the top of the volcano before beginning the 4 hour return hike down Oldoinyo Lengai.

The temperature can vary considerably while you climb Oldoinyo Lengai, due to both the change in altitude and the timings of the climb. It is wise to be prepared - should you arrive on the summit before sunrise, you may have to wait in the cold for sunrise, and then the return hike may get quite hot once the sun is up.

 

Recommended Equipment: