Ol Doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano made from carbonatite in the Ngorongoro District of Tanzania. The summit at 2,960 meters (9,711 feet) shows two craters, with the northern one regularly ejecting lava.

Scientists reached the summit between 1904 and 1915 and began studying the rare rocks. Later geologists discovered that the lava composition differs markedly from other volcanoes around the world.

The Maasai and Sonjo call this peak the Mountain of God and use it as a site for prayer and religious ceremonies. Many locals consider the slopes and summit area sacred and come here to speak with ancestors or to ask for rain.

Climbing requires a permit and a guide, as the terrain is steep and has no marked trails. Most ascents begin at night so you reach the crater at dawn and avoid the heat.

The lava here is made of natrocarbonatite and flows at around 540 degrees Celsius (1,004 degrees Fahrenheit). It appears black at first and quickly turns white when exposed to moisture, a phenomenon seen nowhere else on Earth.

Location: Ngorongoro District

Elevation above the sea: 2,960 m

Made from material: carbonatite

GPS coordinates: -2.75955,35.91409

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:23