Description

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Natron & climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai at night

Transfer to base camp in the early morning. It takes about 6 hours to get there. After an afternoon and evening of relaxation and preparation it's time to start climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai at midnight. While porters carry the luggage, the equipment and our water we silently ascend under a starry night. At sunrise the view from the mountain is breathtaking. The “living summit” will probably catch your attention right away, not to let it loose for the next three days…

Acc.: campsite near Lake Natron (B, L, D)

Lake Natron is one of Tanzania's Great Rift Valley soda lakes. The alkali salt crust on the surface of the lake is often colored red or pink by the salt-loving microorganisms that live there. The lake is also the only breeding area for the 2.5 million Lesser Flamingoes, who flock along saline lakes in the region, feeding on Spirulina (a blue-green algae with red pigments).

Day 2-3: Two full days to enjoy the activity at very close range

Two full days to explore the summit region of this volcano. There is a good chance we see and hear some activity, even though its former natrocarbonatite activity is probably now no longer visible.

Note: Since its eruptions in 2007-2008, the previous configuration of the active north crater with the natrocarbonatite-spitting hornitos does no longer exist and has been replaced by an impressive ash cone that has produced violent and spectacular ash eruptions. If activity is not too intense, observing this new crater would be a rewarding experience, but entering the north crater itself or climbing the ash cone is high risk due to the danger of the (expected) collapse of the north crater - even at times when its activity itself is low.

Acc.: basic camp on Lengai volcano

Day 4-5: Comfortable break (2 nights) near Lake Natron

After a 2 to 4 hours descent our cars pick us up at the base. From then on we have a relaxed and comfortable one and a half day near fascinating Lake Natron. We can hike or drive to the Lake Natron with its thousands of flamingos, stroll around in a local Maassai village, watch birds and other animals, or take an intersting hike into a nearby dramatic gorge with spectacular rock formations. This should not be missed, as we find a paradisiacal waterfall there, where we can have a wonderfully refreshing bath and swim.

Acc.: comfortable campsite of Lake Natron (B, L, D)

Day 6: Lake Manyara game drive

In the morning, we drive back through the Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park, where we will go on an exciting game drive in the afternoon.

Acc.: Guesthouse, lodge or camp at Lake Manyara National Park

Day 7: Return to Arusha - night in Arusha - end of service

Transfer to Arusha (almost 2 hrs), end of service

Acc.: hotel (upper mid-range) in Arusha (B, L, D)