Introduction

Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as “The Mountain of God”, is a fascinating and unique natural wonder located in northern Tanzania. The volcano is considered sacred by the Maasai and Sonjo people who believe it is the home of their god, Engai. Ol Doinyo Lengai is renowned for its unique type of magma, natrocarbonatite, which is unlike any other volcanic magma on Earth. It is highly fluid, cold, and low in viscosity, giving it a distinctive appearance and behavior during eruptions.

The volcano’s summit is a symmetrical cone that towers over 1,800 meters above the surrounding landscape. It features two craters, with the northern one having erupted during historical times. The crater's floor is covered with lava flows that resemble pahoehoe lavas, and small cones ranging from 2 to over 10 meters occur in the crater, producing lava flows from their summits and flanks. The southern crater, on the other hand, is inactive and sometimes filled with water. The slopes of Ol Doinyo Lengai are covered with white volcanic ash deposits, and the western flank has large fractures.

The surrounding region is home to about 300,000 people, with livestock farming being the most significant economic activity. The area’s increasing popularity among tourists has led to a rise in tourism-related activities, such as guided hikes and climbs up the mountain. However, visitors must exercise caution when exploring Ol Doinyo Lengai, as it remains an active volcano with the potential for eruptions. Past debris avalanches have occurred around the volcano, with one leaving a prominent scar on the northern flank. The occurrence of such events may have been influenced by regional fault systems. Despite the risks, the stunning natural beauty of Ol Donyo Lengai continues to draw visitors from around the world.