Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb: The Night Hike Up the Mountain of God

Known to the Maasai as the Mountain of God, Ol Doinyo Lengai rises almost alone from the floor of the Rift Valley south of Lake Natron. Its cone is steep and bare, and its lava is unusual among the volcanoes of the world, which is part of its fame.

This page is a practical overview of the climb as an activity: what it feels like, who it suits, how the day is organised and what to ask an operator. For the wider background see climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai and the Lake Natron guide.

This guide is part of our Uganda park trails and activities guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

What the Climb Is Like

The hike is short in distance compared with the big mountains of East Africa, but it is hard. The slope is steep from the start and the surface is loose volcanic ash and broken rock, so each step can slide back. Most walkers describe it as a long, steady grind rather than a technical climb, and the upper section is the most demanding.

Because it begins in the dark, you walk by head torch under a huge sky, and the reward comes at the top as the Rift Valley and the pale surface of Lake Natron appear in the dawn light. The descent is often the harder part for knees and ankles, as the loose ground makes control difficult.

A Volcano Unlike Most Others

Lengai is famous for erupting natrocarbonatite lava, which is far cooler and runnier than the lava of most volcanoes and turns pale grey and white soon after it cools. That gives the upper cone a strange, ash-dusted look. The volcano is active, and conditions on the summit change over time, so what walkers can reach and see depends on the current state of the crater.

Local guides and operators know the present situation and will tell you how far it is sensible to go. Treat their advice as final; this is a working volcano, not a theme-park attraction. The cone is also culturally important to the Maasai, and visitors should behave respectfully on the mountain and in nearby communities.

How the Day Is Organised

Most groups sleep near the foot of the mountain or at a camp around Lake Natron, rest in the evening, and start walking around midnight. The aim is to be high on the cone before sunrise and to be back down before the heat builds on the exposed slope. Afterwards there is time to rest, eat and, if you wish, walk to the waterfalls and pools near Natron.

Your base and transfers are covered in Arusha to Lake Natron and where to stay at Lake Natron. Plan the climb for the first or second night at the lake rather than the last, so a delay does not cost you the attempt.

Fitness, Kit and Safety

• Good general fitness helps far more than altitude experience; the challenge is steepness and footing, not thin air.
• Wear sturdy boots with ankle support and trousers that tolerate abrasion, and carry gloves for steadying yourself on rock.
• Bring a reliable head torch with spare batteries, a warm layer for the pre-dawn wind and a windproof jacket.
• Carry plenty of water, and wear a hat and sunscreen for the descent.
• Walking poles help on the downhill, and many people find gaiters useful against ash in the boots.
• Tell your guide honestly about any knee, heart or breathing issues before you set off.

Best Season for the Climb

The drier months, roughly June to October and again from about January to February, are generally the most comfortable for the approach and the slope. During the long rains, usually around March to May, the tracks around Natron can become difficult and the mountain is less pleasant underfoot. Patterns vary from year to year, so ask your operator about current conditions.

Heat is the main enemy in the dry season, which is another reason for the night start. Read best time to visit Tanzania when choosing dates, then match the climb to your wider safari.

What to Ask an Operator

• Who the local guides are and how they brief the group on the current state of the crater.
• What the group size is and whether the pace can be adjusted for slower walkers.
• Which night is planned for the climb and what the backup plan is if weather or illness interferes.
• How the descent is managed and what support is available if someone cannot continue.
• Which permits and local community arrangements are handled on your behalf.
• How the climb fits with your onward safari and flights.

Fitting It Into an Itinerary

Lengai suits travellers who have already enjoyed the classic northern parks and want something more physical and remote. It works well after the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, or before a rest day on the shores of Natron. If you are also planning Africa's highest mountain, read the Kilimanjaro climbing guide and sequence the two with a clear gap. For other hiking, see mountains and hiking in East Africa.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team