Tanzania Ol Doinyo Lengai Crater

Rising to 2,962 metres above the Great Rift Valley in northern Tanzania, Ol Doinyo Lengai means “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language and is considered sacred by the local Maasai people. The summit offers a dramatic view into the crater of this active volcano, with Lake Natron’s vast salt flats stretching north and the rugged Rift Valley landscapes unfolding in every direction. Lengai is unique for its rare carbonatite lava, which appears dark when molten and turns pale as it cools.

When flying a drone in Tanzania, you need to acquire a local agency to obtain a license / permit to actually fly. Sometimes, they provide you a drone.

Use a panoramic mode for capturing the whole volcano. Take care when take-off since this area is a high wind area. Always be careful.

The summit is usually reached on a demanding night hike from the Lake Natron area, aiming to arrive around sunrise and avoid the intense daytime heat.

The ascent is extremely steep, with loose volcanic ash and crumbling rock, and requires excellent fitness, sturdy footwear and plenty of water. As this is an active volcano, conditions can change, so climb only with an experienced local guide who can assess current volcanic hazards.

The elevation gain is around 1.750m.