This is a tough climb! We are pretty experienced mountaineers but found the inclination of the mountain sometimes really frightening. In Europe we would use a rope on such steep mountains, the slope is at some point over 45'. We just climbed Kilimanjaro the week before, this climb is much more technical than Kili, and you should be free of vertigo to climb this mountain.
Take with you:
• Minimal 4 layers of upper clothing. A down jacket is useful.
• Good hiking shoes (category B3 or C)
• Blankets or a sleeping bag for the early morning bivouac, you will wait there for about an hour before the final ascent. It is a very small cavern in the rocky slope.
• Headlight
• Balaclava and/or warm hat
• Gloves
• Minimal 3 liter of water
• Eat well before departure
• Take abundant snacks/power bars etc.
• Take ski/walking sticks (no wooden Maasai sticks!)
• Sunscreen and sun-hat
We did not expect such a ‘low’ mountain to be such a challenge and to be so cold. You will have to climb around 1800m up for the last point a 4WD can bring you. Also, the route to this point is not in the best condition, you'll need an experienced driver and good vehicle.
Despite the challenges we had a great time on the Ol Doinyo Lengai!!! Not to be missed. What a sunrise and what an impressive crater!