4-Day Ol Doinyo Lengai Trek – Rift Valley Adventure
This 4-day Ol Doinyo Lengai trekking tour blends breathtaking Rift Valley scenery with rich Maasai culture and a night-time volcanic summit experience. Explore Lake Natron, hike to waterfalls, and conquer the sacred “Mountain of God” in a safe, well-paced itinerary.
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Mto wa Mbu – Drive to Lake Natron
- Drive Time: ~6–7 hours
- Accommodation: Basic camp near Lake Natron
Depart Arusha and head through Mto wa Mbu and Engaruka village, entering the dramatic Rift Valley landscape. Arrive at Lake Natron in the late afternoon and settle into camp. Sunset over the lake and soda flats is a spectacular introduction to this wild region.
Day 2: Explore Lake Natron & Waterfalls
- Activity: Hike to Ngare Sero Waterfalls
- Optional: Visit flamingo nesting grounds
- Accommodation: Return to camp
Spend the day exploring the surroundings of Lake Natron. Visit the stunning Ngare Sero waterfalls for a refreshing swim and hike through a dramatic gorge. In the evening, prepare for your summit trek with an early dinner and rest.
Day 3: Midnight Ascent – Summit Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Start Time: ~Midnight
- Summit Altitude: 2,962m
- Hiking Duration: 6–8 hours round trip
Begin your challenging trek just after midnight with your mountain guide. The trail is steep, dusty, and demanding. Reach the crater rim at sunrise and take in one of the most unique views in Tanzania—Lake Natron below, and Kilimanjaro in the distance. Descend carefully and return to camp for rest and recovery.
Day 4: Return to Arusha
- Drive Time: ~6–7 hours
- Optional: Cultural stop at a Maasai boma
After breakfast and a slow morning, pack up and begin the drive back to Arusha. Enjoy views of the Rift Valley escarpment and local wildlife along the way. Arrival in Arusha by late afternoon.
What’s Included in the 4-Day Trek
✅ Park fees
✅ Rescue fees
✅ Guide, cook, and porters
✅ Mountain huts accommodation
✅ Meals and drinking water
✅ Transfers to/from
What’s Not Included
❌ Flights
❌ Visa fees
❌ Tips for guides and porters
❌ Personal trekking gear and equipment
💰 Price Per Person
| Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Trekker | $ 1050 |
| 2–4 Trekkers | $ 925 |
| 4–9 Trekkers | $ 850 |
| 10+ Trekkers | $ 790 |
Discounts available for larger groups. Contact us for custom quotes.
Ready to Climb Mount Oldonyo Lengai?
Why Trek Mount Oldonyo Lengai With Tanzania Trip Service?
Local experienced guides
Focus on safety and proper acclimatization
High summit success rate
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Faqs
A: The best route depends on your goals. Lemosho and Northern Circuit are great for acclimatization and scenery. Machame is popular and scenic, Marangu has huts, Rongai is dry and quiet, and Umbwe is very steep and challenging.
A: The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are considered the most scenic, offering panoramic views from all sides of Kilimanjaro.
A: The Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate due to its long duration and excellent acclimatization profile.
A: Marangu offers hut accommodations and a gentle trail, but its shorter duration makes acclimatization more difficult. It's more comfortable but not necessarily easier to summit.
A: All routes except Marangu require camping. Marangu is the only route with mountain huts along the way.
A: 6 to 9 days is ideal. Shorter routes are possible but reduce summit success rates due to limited acclimatization time.
A: The best months are January to March and June to October, which are dry seasons with clear skies and stable weather.
A: Yes, guides are mandatory. Kilimanjaro National Park regulations require all climbers to be accompanied by licensed guides and a mountain crew.
A: You don’t need technical climbing skills, but you should be in good physical shape with strong endurance and mental determination.
A: Rongai, Northern Circuit, and parts of Lemosho are quieter and more remote, making them great options for avoiding crowds.
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