OlDoinyo Lengai is a unique and extremely fascinating volcano that is located in the African Rift valley about 120 km NW of Arusha, Tanzania. It is the only volcano in the world that erupts natrocarbonatite lava, highly fluid lava that usually contains almost no silicon. Natrocarbonatite lava is also much cooler than other lavas, being only about 950 degrees F (510 degrees C) compared to temperatures over 2000 degrees F (~1100 degrees C) for basaltic lavas. Natrocarbonatite is the most fluid lava in the world. Lava with a low gas content can flow like a whitewater stream, and actually has a viscosity near that of water. Natrocarbonatite lava glows orange at night, but is not nearly as bright as silicon-based lavas since it is not as hot. During the day it is not incandescent; most flows look like very fluid black oil, or brown foam, depending on the gas content. In the past, some visitors to the crater believed they were seeing mud flows. Most newly solidified lava is black and contains crystals that sparkle brightly in the sun.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Arusha for Kamakia campsite on the foothills of Oldonyo Lengai at around 8 am (approximately 5 and half hours drive).Set camp and have lunch. Then prepare for the climb.
Day 2: At approximately midnight proceed to the starting point by car. Attempt to reach the summit by sunrise. Witness a spectacular sunrise behind the Mount Meru, far in the distance. The ash cone will also be visible in close proximity. Descend back to the starting point (approximately 12-14 hours walk). Return back to the campsite for a well deserved rest and dinner.
Day 3: After breakfast we hike to the waterfalls (approximately 2 hours). Drive to the shoreline of Lake Netron and witness the massive flamingo colonies wandering in the shallows. We then return back to Arusha.
Please note that the above itenary can be added to any of the camping trips to Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Feel free to contact us for further details.
The climb has to have at least 2Pax.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The price is per person per day and includes transport, park fees, camping equipment (if camping), driver-guides, food and accomodation. Variety of prices depending on camping or luxury lodges.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Tanzania
Outdoor: Mountain Ranger
Mountain/Rock Climbing
Volcano Tours
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