“Oldoinyo Lengai” means “The Mountain of God” in the Maasai language. The summit of this strato-volcano is 2962 metres above sea level, and affords direct views into the caldera of Tanzania’s only officially-certified active volcano, and the world’s only carbonatite volcano; records of eruptions have been maintained since 1883, the largest of which deposited ash 100 kilometres away in Loliondo on the Kenyan border to the north west.
Climbing Oldoinyo Lengai, visitors have access to a range of fascinating attractions.
- Lake Natron Wetlands and Wildlife, with a mineral-rich hot springs. Lake Natron has a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance designation. The lake favours the growth of halophile micro-organisms and is an important habitat for flamingos and is home to endemic algae, invertebrates and even fish.
- Lake Natron Footprints, the hominid footprints are preserved in a tufa, which originated from one of the volcanic centers surrounding the site. The hominid were discovered in 1998 by a local Maasai and are estimated to represent 18 individuals, mainly women and children who walked together on the shores of Lake Natron reportedly 120,000 years ago.
- Ngorongoro Highlands, are a unique conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as land in the conservation area is multi-use, providing protection for wildlife whilst allowing human habitation.
- East African Rift Escarpment, Joseph Thomson described the valley in 1883:
“Imagine if you can a trough or depression 3300 feet above sea level, and twenty miles broad, the mountains rising with very great abruptness on both sides to a height of 9000 feet”. - Ngare Sero Gorge & Waterfalls
- A visit to Maasai Boma amd witness Maasai Festivals
