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Mt.Oldoinyo Lengai:
Oldoinyo Lengai is a volcano in the Eastern Rift Valley, North Tanzania. Its name means 'Mountain of God' in the language of the Maasai people who inhabit this area. Oldoinyo Lengai is of particular interest to geologists because it is the world's only active volcano that erupts natrocarbonatite lava. It is also the only active volcano in this part of the East African Rift Valley, though there are many older extinct volcanoes in this region. Oldoinyo Lengai raises about 2000 meters above the Rift Valley floor to a height of approximately 2886 meters.
A number of people climb Oldoinyo Lengai each year. It is not a technical climb, but it is a very demanding and sometimes dangerously steep walk and scramble. You should be fit, strong and above all VERY determined. Everyone who has climbed has their own experience to tell and their own advice to give.
It takes 8 to 12 hours to climb to the top from where there are spectacular views of the rift valley and the lake. The ascent is not easy: it is steep and there is no shade. Normally the climb starts in the early hours of the morning.
Itinerary for Mt. Oldoinyo Lengai:
Day 1, Arrive Lake Natron. Briefing on the climb. Overnight Lake Natron Camp.
Day 2, Start at midnight for the half hour drive to the trail head (13 kms) and commence the climb. There will be a hot drink and biscuits either at the camp or just before starting the climb. Take plenty of water. The climb of the active volcano takes 8 to 12 hours and is a long steep climb in very hot conditions if an early start is not taken. At the summit, the view from the top of Lengai over the Rift Valley is spectacular, particularly with views of the sunrise. Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru are usually visible (two of the five highest peaks in Africa). A guide must accompany climbers. If you feel up to it after the climb, there is a short hike up the Engare Sero gorge to the waterfalls. They are well worth visiting. Overnight Lake Natron Camp.
An alternative is to do a night climb starting at 5 p.m. but this should be done at full moon or a few days either side of it. Camping at the summit is possible but is not advisable as it can be extremely cold and windy. Extra porters will be required to carry supplies and equipment.
For those that want a less active day, there is the opportunity to visit the eastern side of Lake Natron. This is a very interesting area well off the tourist route with mountain streams flowing from the base of Mt. Gelai; there are opportunities of seeing large flocks of flamingos as well as good herds of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle. Also optional is to hike up the Engare Sero Gorge to the waterfalls or up other gorges in the area.
Day 3, Depart after breakfast.
A trekking to Ngorongoro Crater Highlands:
The Maasai are Nilotic-speaking pastoralists who live in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti/Maasai Mara ecosystem. You can hike through this unique African landscape and learn about these unique people. The hike begins on the northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, traverses the Crater Highlands, and descends in to the Rift Valley to Lake Natron. You can add this hike to your Serengeti safari, or go out to the Ngorongoro Crater from Arusha and begin from there. The program is 7 days, 6 nights (including a day of game driving in the Ngorongoro Crater), but can be extended 1-2 more days to explore Olmoti crater.
Itinerary for Ngorongoro Crater Highland:
Day 1 -In the morning after breakfast drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for full day in the Crater. You can stay on the Crater rim for the night, or make your way to Nainokanoka village where the hike begins.
Day 2 - You meet your Maasai guide and donkey porters at Nainokanoka Village on the slopes of Olmoti Crater. The hike proceeds to Empakaii Crater (4-6 hrs). At Empakaii, you will have time to explore the rim of the Crater. Camping will be on the Crater rim to minimize the environmental impacts on the Crater floor ecosystem.
Note: extra days can be added here to explore the Olmoti Crater. The Olmoti Crater is the primary fresh water supply for the Ngorongoro Crater and is full of wildlife, birds, and the Munge Waterfalls. You will camp at a Maasai boma (compound).
Day 3 - This day is spent exploring the Empakaii Crater floor. The lake is a primary breeding ground for flamingos, the forest is full of birds, buffalo and hyena inhabit the plains, and there is a good chance of spotting a leopard in the early evening. Camping will again be on the crater rim.
Day 4 - You cross the Crater Highlands and arrive at Naiyobi Village. Here you will have an opportunity to visit a Maasai school, a clinic, talk with local elders, and immerse yourself in Maasai Village life. (As a gesture of friendship you may want to bring pencils and sharpeners, pens, notebooks for the school kids and we will supply a red Maasai blanket for the oldest male in your group to give to the Chief of the Village). If we are lucky we will find a cultural activity, i.e., a marriage, or circumcision ceremony in progress and will be free to participate. Camping will be in a Yellow Acacia forest on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment.
Day 5 - You descend down the Rift Valley escarpment to Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano and the home of the Maasai God. We will camp at the base of Lengai and start our 5 hour ascent of the volcano that night at 02:00 a.m. in order to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the highlands
Day 6 - After our descent, we will go to a permanent campsite on the Ngare Sero River where there is a sacred waterfall famous for its healing properties. After a traditional Maasai meal, we will relax at the camp and visit the waterfalls.
Day 7 - A morning walk around the shores of Lake Natron, and after lunch return to Arusha.
Mount Meru:
Mount Meru is one of Africa's highest and most beautiful volcanoes. The route to the summit passes through parkland, mountain forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and Kilimanjaro in the background.
Over 400 species of birds, waterbuck, dik-dik, zebra, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white Colobus monkey and duiker are all found in this delightful "gem amongst parks". The visit to the Ngurdoto crater and Momella lakes, with their superb scenery, flamingoes and other wildlife, is an unforgettable experience.
The group will be accompanied on Mount Meru by a Park Guide and porters. On the mountain we use dormitory style huts.
Day1 -Arrive at the hotel in Moshi/Arusha, overnight on full board basis. (Optional extra: start the trip by driving to Momella Lodge, game drive en-route in Arusha Park).
Day2 - Drive to the park gate and walk through game-filled parkland up to Miriakamba Hut, at 2470m. Along the way there are many fine views; including Kilimanjaro from Miriakamba Hut.
Day3 - The path passes through fine forests and heather to the Saddle Hut, at 3500m, 3 hours walking. An ascent of Little Meru is possible in the afternoon. A very early start takes us first to a superb viewpoint on the crater rim and then onto an airy ridge, which leads up to the summit. Return to Miriakamba.
Day4 - Walk back to the Park Gates, for about 2 hours our vehicle will there to take you to your booked hotel for hot shower, leisure, dinner and overnight.
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