In a remote corner north of Tanzania rises an amazing mountain called Ol Doinyo Lengai, where the lava fountains harden in the air and then fragment like glass.
In the language Maasai means Mountain of God and is close to the Lake Natron and is part of the volcanic system of Great Rift Valley. The volcano lies in a section of the fault zone known as Sikes Grid. It is one of the most unusual volcanoes, being the only one to erupt natrocarbonatite lava. Unlike other lavas, these are rich in calcium, sodium and carbon dioxide, giving these eruptions some extraordinary properties.
Author Vicenç Sanchez
The lava of Ol Doinyo Lengai is extremely cool (500–600°C, compared with 1,160°C for basaltic lava) and relatively fluid. Ol Doinyo Lengai alternates between fluid lava eruptions forming lakes and fountains (effusive eruptions) and explosive eruptions producing large ash clouds. The resulting volcanic landscape is unlike any other.
The Maasai know how to live alongside a natural “danger” that would send any Westerner running. Despite the constant threat of eruption, they live sustainably and know what to do if the volcano roars.
The ascent, optional on our trip, usually takes place at night or before dawn to avoid the scorching daytime heat. The ascent gains 1,700 metres, and a walking pole is very helpful. It is demanding on legs and calves, although, unlike other mountains in the area, altitude is not a problem. Around three hundred metres below the summit, the going gets tougher over hard lava from previous eruptions. It is an otherworldly setting, where the fatigue of the climb fades thanks to spectacular views of the Rift Valley and the snowy summit of the Kilimanjaro.
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