- Arusha, Tanzania
- +255612137284
Oldoinyo Lengai is the only active carbonatite volcano in the world and is known for the unusually alkali-rich composition of its carbonatite lavas. Natrocarbonatite characterises the recent activity which is expressed by the current quiet effusions in the northern summit crater. It is inferred from historical reports that this type of activity goes back more than 100 years. Oldoinyo Lengai is located in the eastern branch of the East African Rift System, south of Lake Natron and close to the ca. 400 m high Natron Escarpment of the Gregory Rift, which formed 1.2 Ma ago. Volcanic activity in the Gregory Rift started about 10 Ma ago in its northern part and propagated to the SW to the site of recent volcanic activity of Oldoinyo Lengai on the southern edge of the Lake Natron basin
The mountain can be climbed in 6 hours, affording breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley and volcanic formations in the Ngorongoro highlands as you get to the summit. It is an adventurous hike starting at dawn. Remember this is an active volcano, the mountain remains closed for climbing when we have eruptions.
Lying on the base of the mountain, Lake Natron is said to be the only breeding area for the endangered Lesser Flamingoes that live in the Great Rift Valley and it is believed to be the world’s most important breeding site for the Lesser Flamingoes, accounting for 75 per cent of the global population.
The soda lake sits on the lowest point of the Great Rift Valley part in East Africa and is quite shallow, less than three metres deep, and varies in width depending on its water level. The temperatures in the lake mud can reach more than 40 degrees Celsius where evaporation causes high alkalinity. It is said the lake’s high alkaline environment is a barrier against predators trying to reach the flamingo nests.
The area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar landscape beauty. Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment, make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track.
