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Clem23 CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Ol Doinyo Lengai

Mountain

Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active natrocarbonatite volcano in the Rift Valley, draws climbers and geologists for overnight treks and summit visits. Tourists come for its unusual lava chemistry, stark volcanic terrain and Maasai cultural associations.

Ol Doinyo Lengai ArushaMoshiBabatiTarangire National ParkMount KilimanjaroLake Manyara National ParkKilimanjaro National ParkLake ManyaraOl Doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai essentials

Address: Ol Doinyo Lengai area, near Lake Natron, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Hours: Access year-round with guide/permit arrangements
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About Ol Doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano in northern Tanzania notable for producing natrocarbonatite lava, a rare lava type with low eruption temperatures and unusual chemistry. It is culturally significant to Maasai communities in the region.

Eruptions produce dark lava that weathers rapidly to pale carbonate deposits; the volcano’s activity is monitored because it affects the surrounding rift landscape. Climbs to the crater are undertaken by guided groups during suitable weather windows.

The volcano sits near the western shore of Lake Natron within the East African Rift, north of the Ngorongoro Highlands and accessible from towns around the lake.

  • Unique lava type: One of the few active volcanoes that erupts natrocarbonatite lava, which is low in temperature and chemically distinct from typical basaltic lavas.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ol Doinyo Lengai

June-October provides the most reliable trekking weather and clearer views of the crater.

Dry season
June-Oct · Day 20-30°C, Night 5-15°C
Best trekking conditions and clearer summit visibility.
Short rains
Nov-Dec · 20-28°C
Fewer tourists, but trails can be muddy.

Weather & Climate near Ol Doinyo Lengai

Climate

Ol Doinyo Lengai's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 6°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1034 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 70 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 8° - 20° 14° 102 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.3 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.1h
February Good 8° - 21° 14° 98 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.6 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.1h
March Good 10° - 20° 15° 151 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.2 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
April Acceptable 9° - 18° 14° 232 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.9h
May Very Good 9° - 17° 13° 74 mm partly cloudy 84% 1.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
June Very Good 7° - 17° 12° 13 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.9h
July Excellent 6° - 16° 11° 8 mm some cloud 73% 3.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
August Excellent 7° - 17° 12° 10 mm some cloud 69% 2.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
September Very Good 7° - 19° 13° 15 mm some cloud 63% 2.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 8° - 20° 14° 60 mm partly cloudy 65% 2.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
November Good 9° - 19° 14° 139 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
December Good 10° - 18° 14° 132 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ol Doinyo Lengai

Most ascents begin from the Lake Natron area; vehicles from Arusha take about 4-6 hours depending on road conditions. Local operators and village guides coordinate permits, transport and camping equipment.

Tips for Visiting Ol Doinyo Lengai

  • Hire a Maasai or local guide for the overnight trek-routes and conditions can change quickly.
  • Plan for significant temperature swing: nights near the volcano can be surprisingly cold.
  • Respect local customs: Ol Doinyo Lengai is sacred to Maasai communities; ask permission before photographing ceremonies.