Lake Natron lies in northern Tanzania near Ol Doinyo Lengai, with volcanic scenery, dry Rift Valley landscapes, seasonal birdlife and Maasai communities. Visits are commonly combined with the mountain, local walks and other northern Tanzania safari areas.
A suggested minimum itinerary for Mt. OlDoinyo Lengai Trekking
Drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara, game drive, overnight at the Lodge/Campsite.
Drive to Ngare Sero campsite. Walk up to the Ngare Sero source – a magnificent rock amphitheatre with springs gushing out of the rock faces.
Midnight start, drive to the base of the climb, walk to the summit (allow 5 hrs). If possible descend into the active crater then walk down. Lunch at Ngare Sero. Drive back to Arusha or Moshi.
More Destination Information
Dry and cool, August is a great time to visit Tanzania. Wildlife starts searching for water sources, making their movements predictable for guides, and giving you a greater chance of seeing The Big Five. Flamingos also arrive in high numbers at Lake Natron, where they can find food and shelter at the otherwise eerie lake. Diving enthusiasts are happiest in August to September, when the water is especially clear. Turtles also hatch on the Indian Ocean islands.
This is an active volcano in northern Tanzania lying just south of Lake Natron. It is located in the Rift Valley, in the heart of Masaai country, and locally regarded as a sacred mountain. Looking north from its summit crater the hot barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretch into the distance. To the south stretch the Crater Highlands and the Ngorongoro Game Reserve. The eastern horizon is dominated by Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments and hills comprising the western slopes of the Rift Valley. About every seven years Lengai erupts and plumes of smoke billow out of the crater. Almost always it is possible to walk across the crater floor, often to the edge of the molten lavas. The ascent of Lengai is demanding on account of the Day time heat, lack of water, steep and unstable slopes of ash and crumbly rocks and considerable height gain, 1600m. or just over 5000ft. Starting at midnight from Lake Natron it is just possible to reach the summit by dawn at a gentle pace. Although shorts and a warm jacket are suitable for the ascent, long trousers might be more pleasant as the summit just before dawn can be cold. Our access route from the north-west allows an early descent to be made from the summit in the morning shadow.
Practical Information from the Supplied Travel Material
Mt. OlDoinyo Lengai Trekking
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Mt. OlDoinyo Lengai Trekking
3 Days
This is an active volcano in northern Tanzania lying just south of Lake Natron. It is located in the Rift Valley, in the heart of Masaai country, and locally regarded as a sacred mountain. Looking north from its summit crater the hot barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretch into the distance. To the south stretch the Crater Highlands and the Ngorongoro Game Reserve. The eastern horizon is dominated by Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments and hills comprising the western slopes of the Rift Valley. About every seven years Lengai erupts and plumes of smoke billow out of the crater. Almost always it is possible to walk across the crater floor, often to the edge of the molten lavas. The ascent of Lengai is demanding on account of the Day time heat, lack of water, steep and unstable slopes of ash and crumbly rocks and considerable height gain, 1600m. or just over 5000ft. Starting at midnight from Lake Natron it is just possible to reach the summit by dawn at a gentle pace. Although shorts and a warm jacket are suitable for the ascent, long trousers might be more pleasant as the summit just before dawn can be cold. Our access route from the north-west allows an early descent to be made from the summit in the morning shadow.
A suggested minimum itinerary for Mt. OlDoinyo Lengai Trekking
Drive to Ngare Sero campsite. Walk up to the Ngare Sero source – a magnificent rock amphitheatre with springs gushing out of the rock faces.
Midnight start, drive to the base of the climb, walk to the summit (allow 5 hrs). If possible descend into the active crater then walk down. Lunch at Ngare Sero. Drive back to Arusha or Moshi.
Seasonal Safari Planning Context
One of the top questions travellers ask is ‘When is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?’ While there are definitely popular tourism seasons, other factors depend on one’s personal preference. Read on to discover your ideal season to visit Tanzania, based on your tastes and travel interests
The best season to visit Tanzania is during the long dry season, which falls from July to September. These are considered the best months for safaris, the Great Migration, trekking, and beach holidays in Zanzibar. Of course, these months are peak travel season. They will be busier, and some lodges, hotels, and parks will apply higher rates. If you prefer a more secluded experience, consider visiting during the short rainy season from the end of October to December. If possible, you'll want to avoid visiting during the long rainy season from March to May. The rains are often heavy and sudden, which can result in activities being cancelled last minute.
Other destinations may have traditional summer, winter, fall, and spring seasons, but Tanzania is situated near the equator and the Indian Ocean, meaning that its weather patterns are equatorial and tropical. There are two distinct seasons in Tanzania: wet and dry. The wet season is the rainy season, while the dry season is sunny and sometimes hot. Each season has its pros and cons, which are discussed further below.
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