Ol Doinyo Lengai is the world's only active natrocarbonatite volcano. It is 9,718 feet tall (2,962 meters). Its lava's unique chemical composition is rich in sodium and potassium carbonates. It is situated in Northern Tanzania within the East African Rift Valley and is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Ol Doinyo Lengai in eruption

The Maasai people, who live in the surrounding areas, view the volcano as a sacred site. The mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai means "Mountain of God" in the Maasai language and is a place of worship and ceremonial rites.

Interestingly, the mountain is found in the Ngorongoro Crater, commonly called the African's Garden of Eden, near Lake Natron, which is a highly alkaline mineral-rich soda lake.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater is thought to have formed million of years ago when an active volcano's cone collapsed inward after a massive eruption. Due to its enclosed nature, the Crater formed its own ecosystem. Today, it is home to a variety of birds and the "big five", which are Black rhinoceros, buffaloes, lions, leopards and elephants.

Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife

 

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