Lake Natron; Situated in Northern Tanzania on the border with Kenya, close to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Lake Natron is home to ancient hominid footprints, the largest breeding ground for lesser flamingo and to Ol Doinyo Lengai, and it is the only active carbonatite volcano in the world. If you would like to include Lake Natron in your Tanzania safari, keep reading this blog for more information about this amazing place.
Situated between its volcanic hills and deep craters, Lake Natron is at the lowest point of the rift valley – 600m above sea level – and is probably the world’s most caustic body of water. The lake is fed by the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River and by mineral-rich hot springs. Its less than three meters (10 feet deep), so its very shallow, and it varies in width depending on its water level, which changes due to high levels of evaporation, leaving high concentration of salt magnesite and sodium carbonate (natron) on its surface which shows as a pinkish water soda crust.
The area surrounding the lake is hot and often very dusty and dry, which isn’t very conducive to travel, but the people who choose to visit Natron are rewarded with some of the most visually compelling scenes in the world. The views of alone are worthy the journey.
Home to the Maasai people and over one million flamingoes, Lake Natron is a perfect place for amazing adventures. The area around the lake offers different attractions like a large number of volcanic implosion craters, numerous waterfalls and ravines with nesting places for Rüppell’s Griffon Vultures.
Wildlife at Lake Natron
For many plants and animals, the saline waters make the lake inhospitable, yet the salt water marshes surrounding the lake are a surprising habitat for flamingoes whose leathery skins make them able to withstand the deadly waters. In fact, the lake is home to the highest concentrations of lesser and greater flamingoes in East Africa where they feed on the lake’s spirulina – a green algae with red pigments. Because Lake Natron’s caustic environment is a barrier against predators trying to reach their nests on seasonally – forming evaporate islands, it is a safe breeding location. The pH and temperature levels in the water are so high that it can burn off the skin and eyes of animals that aren’t adapted to it. The most interesting thing about Lake Natron is the solitary, mummified birds occasionally seen along the shoreline, calcified over a long period of time, turned into strange fossils.
The lake is also home to endemic algae, invertebrates and even fish that can survive in the slightly less salty water. Other animals inhabiting this area are zebras, ostrich, fringed eared oryx, gazelles, gerenul, lesser kudu and golden jackal.
Activities to Do on Lake Natron Safari
Bird watching & Flamingo Lake Walk
Across eastern Africa, the lesser flamingoes feed on alagae found in soda lakes but they choose to breed at Lake Natron almost exclusively. In fact, approximately 75% of the world’s lesser flamingoes are born at Lake Natron.
The best times to visit these amazing birds are either at sunrise or at sunset when the heat isn’t so ferocious. The lake flats around the water’s edge contain small lakes, streams and hills providing a variety of hospitable environments for birds that thrive in the alkali oasis. There is nowhere else in Africa like Lake Natron, and the flamingoes are especially popular with children, making it a perfect destination for a family safari in Tanzania.
Mountain Biking at Lake Natron
Experience Lake Natron on wheels. Hop on a mountain bike and go exploring around the local area with your guide. Please note that this must be booked prior to arrival.
Tip: This is best done at sunrise or sunset when the weather is cooler.
Hominid Footprints at Lake Natron
Within the concession area you can walk to the hominid footprints where researchers have catalogued rare finds of well-preserved human footprints left in the mud between 5,000 and 19,000 years ago. No other site in Africa has as many ancient Homo sapiens footprints, making it a treasure trove for scientists trying to learn the story of mankind’s earliest days.
Lake Natron’s Natural Pools
Cool off in any one of the natural plunge pools at Lake Natron Camp and there is also a deeper, larger pool where you can immerse yourself under shade netting out of the hot sun. But don’t be scared of the little fish, they may bite, but they are very gentle.
Ngare Sero Water Falls
To see the spectacular Ngare Sero Water Falls, take a guided walk up Ngare Sero Gorge, the scenery is a unique blend of arid volcanic rocks and lush tropical palms. It is a terrific spot to have lunch so carry your packed lunch.
Rift Valley Day Hike (6 Hours)
Hiking the Rift Valley is a great alternative to climbing Mount Lengai, this adventurous trek departs camp before dawn and your transfer to the base of the rift valley wall. You then climb the wall on foot, enjoying the dawn as you ascend close to the Ngare Sero Gorge. You will take a picnic breakfast with you to the top and you will enjoy being in one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the region. After breakfast you descend back down via another route, or depending on time, you could come back the same way. You will arrive back at camp in time for lunch and then you will relax in the natural pool or enjoy a massage.
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano Climb
Make an overnight climb to the top of the “Mountain of God”. Climbing the 2,962 m volcano under the moonlight is a mystical and unforgettable experience. It is not for the faint of heart but its worth it for the magnificent views at sunrise from the top. On a clear day expect to see the tips of Meru and Kilimanjaro to the east as they break through the horizon. To the North you will be able to see the far end of Lake Natron, where its northern shore borders Kenya. To the west you will be able to see across the Sale Plains all the way to the Gol Mountains, a view that is so spectacular you will think it can’t possibly be real.
Conditions on Lengai can change daily so it’s important to understand that your guide will make the decision if the weather is not safe enough to start your climb. Once on the mountain, reaching the summit section is also based on daily conditions and guests should be aware there is a possibility they may not reach the true summit, but unfortunately refunds will not be available.
Fees for Mt. Lengai are governed by the Village Office and are subject to change.
If you would like to start planning your Tanzania Safari including Lake Natron, please get in touch!