Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb
Mount Oldonyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God” in Maasai, stands as a geological marvel and a spiritual icon in Tanzania. An active stratovolcano, Lengai’s unique claim to fame lies in its rare natrocarbonatite lava, the only one of its kind in the world. The trek up this sacred mountain is a challenging endeavor, navigating rugged terrain and steep slopes, where the surrounding landscape is marked by sparse vegetation and volcanic ash. Adventurers who dare to conquer its peak are rewarded with awe-inspiring views stretching across the Great Rift Valley and Lake Natron, a saline lake tinged with vibrant hues, creating a surreal backdrop. Lengai’s mystique extends beyond its geological marvels; it holds a revered place in Maasai culture as a sacred site, embodying spiritual significance and serving as a pilgrimage destination. The ascent of Mount Oldonyo Lengai is not just an adventure; it’s a journey through geological wonders and cultural reverence that leaves an indelible mark on those who seek its summit.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 : Moshi – Ol Doinyo Lengai
Depart Moshi at 7 am for your transfer to Lake Natron via West Kilimanjaro, Longido and Loliondo Wildlife Protected Area. Game drive en-route in the Gelai plains. Meet your local Maasai guide for pre trek briefing; dinner and overnight at Moivaro’s Lake Natron Campsite, F/B.
*Extra activity: Evening nature walk & swimming at the natural pool.
Day 2 : Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb
Transfer to the Base of Oldoinyo Lengai at around mid-night ready to begin your ascent to the summit. Reach the summit during the sunrise, explore the only active Volcanic mountain in East Africa! Walk around the top rim looking at the vent filled with a fresh brown cabonatite lava on its crater floor. Descend to the base of the mountain and meet your driver for your drive back to your Camp for auick shower and breakfast/ brunch. Then depart your Camp for your transfer back to Moshi / Arusha via Lake Natron for watching lesser flamingos.
Sean LVerified Honeymoon in Tanzania We were lucky to have Daniel as our guide in Tanzania. He made us feel safe, went above and beyond every day, and genuinely cares about Tanzania and conservation. He also booked the best experiences using excellent local guides. By the end of the trip, he felt like a true friend, and our experience was far more than just a tour. I look forward to our next meeting! Hilary HVerified Kilimanjaro 7 Days via Lemosho – Unforgettable Christmas Summit I did a solo trek up Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Lemosho route, and summiting on Christmas Day was absolutely magical! The entire experience with Hilltop Travel was smooth, professional, and filled with great energy.A huge thank you to James, my incredible guide, who supported me every step of the way — especially during the challenging summit night. The entire crew was superb, friendly, and highly experienced. I was also impressed by the delicious food served throughout the climb — it really kept my energy up!The scenery was stunning, the service exceptional, and though the summit was tough, it was 100% worth it. Highly recommend Hilltop Travel to anyone dreaming of standing on the Roof of Africa! Geoff RVerified Chagga Cultural Experience in Nkweshoo – A Hidden Gem Near Kilimanjaro! My cultural visit to Nkweshoo in Machame was absolutely unforgettable! Exploring the traditions of the Chagga people with the local Chagga women made the experience deeply authentic and heartwarming. We joined a farm tour, learned how to make traditional Chagga coffee from bean to cup, and visited a stunning nearby waterfall. Spending a night in a traditional Chagga boma, simple, peaceful, and incredibly special. The hospitality, the stories, and the genuine connection with the community made this more than just a tour — it was a journey into a rich culture. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Kilimanjaro and looking for something real, local, and inspiring. AbdullyVerified Perfect 3-Day Safari Experience with Hilltop Travel! I just returned from an unforgettable 3-day safari covering Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara — and it was absolutely amazing!From start to finish, everything was well-organized, comfortable, and full of incredible wildlife moments. Tarangire’s baobab trees and herds of elephants were stunning, Ngorongoro was magical with breathtaking views and the Big Five, and Lake Manyara surprised us with flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and so much more.Special thanks to my guide Thomas, who made the trip extra special. He was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and had a great sense of humor. His deep understanding of wildlife and Tanzanian culture made every moment educational and fun. I always felt safe and well taken care of.This was more than just a safari — it was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you Hilltop Travel and thank you Thomas! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a real taste of Tanzania’s natural beauty and warm hospitality. Kenny EVerified Increadible Tanzania Safari and Beach Combo We booked a safari and beach package with Hilltop Travel, and it turned out to be the best travel decision I’ve made. The safari lasted five days, covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. Every day brought something new — we saw lions hunting, giraffes moving gracefully through the trees, and elephants with babies just a few meters from our vehicle. Our guide was a walking encyclopedia, always ready to explain behaviors or share fun stories about the animals.After so much adventure, we flew to Zanzibar for three nights. The transition was seamless; Hilltop travel team arranged the flight and transfers so we didn’t have to think about a thing. 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My journey was filled with happiness, and I’ll always be grateful. Highly recommended! Kamana NVerified Cultural Visit in a Maasai Village One of the most memorable parts of my trip was visiting a Maasai village close to Kilimanjaro airport arranged by Hilltop Travel. Our guide introduced us to the community, and we were welcomed with songs and dances. It didn’t feel staged — instead, it felt like a genuine sharing of their culture.We learned about traditional Maasai life, from how they build their homes to the way they care for their cattle. A Maasai elder explained their customs, while children laughed and played nearby. I was even invited to try a short dance, which had everyone smiling.It gave me a deeper appreciation of Tanzania beyond the wildlife. Hilltop travel made sure it was respectful and meaningful, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my entire journey. Emily DVerified Magical Day at Ngorongoro Crater! 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Our driver was careful on both highways and bumpy tracks especialy in Serengeti, which made me feel secure the whole time.Little touches stood out: cool water always available, blankets for chilly mornings, and even charging points for cameras. At the lodges, everything was clean and welcoming, and the staff treated us with kindness.Because of this, I was able to relax and fully enjoy the safari. I didn’t spend time worrying about logistics or safety. Instead, I could just focus on the incredible sights — elephants walking by, zebras grazing, and lions resting in the sun. Hilltop travel gave me peace of mind, which made the trip even more enjoyable. jacobVerified Unforgettable Day at Materuni and Chemka – A True Tanzanian Experience Our full-day adventure with Hilltop Travel was simply amazing from start to finish! We began in Materuni Village, where we experienced the full coffee journey — from bean to cup.Our local guide, Ally shared beautiful stories about Chagga culture and the traditional way of coffee processing. Picking, roasting, grinding, and finally sipping our own fresh brew was something truly special!The hike to Materuni Waterfall was refreshing and scenic, made even better by our photographic guide whose talent with photos and videos added magic to the whole day. Every moment was perfectly captured!After enjoying delicious local Chagga food, we headed to the Chemka Hot Springs, where swimming in the clear, natural spring pool was the perfect way to relax. The water was warm, clean, and surrounded by nature, a hidden gem!This was a day full of culture, nature, taste, and relaxation. Huge thanks to the Hilltop Travel team for organizing such a flawless experience. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Tanzania!
