Lake Natron in northern Tanzania, close to Kenya, is shadowed by the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai. It stretches 56km long and 22km wide, fed by the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River and hot springs rich in minerals. The lake’s waters evaporate, leaving high levels of natron and trona behind, which make the water extremely alkaline.
Lake Natron has such high alkaline levels and temperatures that can reach up to 60°C. Despite these harsh conditions, the lake is essential for the breeding of 2.5 million lesser flamingos, the only place they do so in East Africa. These birds thrive here, safe from predators due to the lake’s extreme environment.
Exciting things to do at Lake Natron include:
Visiting Lake Natron lets you adventure into unique natural settings. From volcanic hikes to bird watching and exploring mineral deposits, each activity offers a chance to learn and experience the extraordinary resilience of nature.
If you’re coming from the Serengeti, you can stop for the night at Kleins Gate to rest. The next day, it will take about 8 hours to drive to Engaresero, where you’ll stay while exploring Lake Natron. When you’re ready to head home, Arusha is just a three-hour drive away.
Lake Natron is special because it's very tough for most animals, but still, some wildlife has learnt to survive here. The lake has salt marshes and wetlands that are perfect homes for certain water birds.
It is also the only place where you can find two unique types of fish, Alcolapia latilabris and Alcolapia ndalalani. Most famous are the lesser flamingos, with three-quarters of all the world’s lesser flamingos being born here.
Explore handy insights for visiting Lake Natron’s stunning landscapes and unique features
No, it's not safe to swim in Lake Natron because the very salty water can burn your skin and it's extremely hot.
Animals that fall into Lake Natron can be preserved by the high salt content, but they do not turn to stone just by being near the lake.
Flamingos do well here because there are no predators and they eat the spirulina algae in the lake, which thrives in the alkaline water.
The lake appears pinkish-red due to spirulina algae, which flourish in its alkaline waters and are a food source for flamingos.
Lake Natron is very hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often above 104°F (40°C), and even at night, it rarely cools below 68°F (20°C).
No, Lake Natron isn't a national park. It's a protected ecological and geological area, especially important for flamingo breeding.
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