At the head of the valley lies Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania's only active volcano. It is unique because it is the only volcano in the world that produces natrocarbonatite lava. This unique and amazing geological feature is the most remarkable geological sight Tanzania has to offer, towering over the desolate landscape produced by the ash falling from its constant eruptions.
‘Ol Doinyo Lengai’ means ‘mountain of God’ in Maa, the Maasai language, and when you see an eruption underway (last eruption in 2008/9) you can understand how the mountain got its name. It is usually possible to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, if the volcano is not erupting too savagely, and although the climb is hard (some might say savage) the views from the top are truly breath-taking.
