Lake Natron sits at the lowest point of the valley in East Africa at an altitude of 600m or 2000 feet above sea level. Here the water evaporates leaving behind very high concentrations of soda. Algae and zooplankton thrive in this water, which in turn supports great numbers of flamingos. The combination of remoteness and the hostility of the soda mud flats provides the flamingos with a relatively safe area to breed and rear chicks. The lake is also surrounded by scattered springs, some of which are fresh enough to provide drinking water for many species of animals, large and small.
The Great Rift Valley stretches from northern Ethiopia to Mozambique in the south, a distance of about 5600km. The valley is created by two tectonic plates moving apart causing the valley floor to drop down leaving intact and fragmented valley walls or escarpments. The prominent escarpment in this area lies to the west. Volcanoes and craters of different ages are scattered around the valley. Oldoinyo Lengai (Mountain of God) is the only active volcano in Tanzania. Volcanism around the Great Rift Valley produces soda (Sodium Carbonate), which is washed down by rain and groundwater.
Where is Lake Natron?
Lake Natron lies about 70 miles (113 km) northwest of Arusha, the capital city of the Arusha Region in Tanzania. It is about 35 miles (56 km) long and 15 miles (24 km) wide and has a surface elevation of 600 meters (2,000 ft). The lake is fed by the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River, which rises in central Kenya, and by mineral-rich hot springs.
How far is Lake Natron from other destinations in Tanzania?
Lake Natron is relatively isolated from other popular tourist destinations in Tanzania, but it can be reached by road or air. Here are some approximate distances and travel times from Lake Natron to other places:
– JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport): 140 miles (225 km), 4 hours by road
– Arusha city: 70 miles (113 km), 2 hours by road
– Mt Kilimanjaro base camp: 100 miles (160 km), 3 hours by road
– Tarangire National Park: 120 miles (193 km), 3.5 hours by road
– Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 80 miles (129 km), 2.5 hours by road
– Serengeti National Park: 150 miles (241 km), 4 hours by road
What kind of wildlife is found at Lake Natron?
Lake Natron is not a hospitable place for most animals, as it has very high temperatures (up to 60°C) and salinity levels. The water is so alkaline that it can burn the skin and eyes of some creatures, and even calcify the bodies of those that die in or near the lake. However, some life forms have adapted to this harsh environment, such as algae, invertebrates, and fish that live in the less salty margins of the lake. The most famous residents of Lake Natron are the lesser flamingos, which flock to the lake in their millions to breed between August and October. The lake is the largest breeding ground for these pink birds in the world, and they feed on the algae that give the water its red color. The flamingos are not affected by the bacteria that harm other birds, and they use their long legs to wade through the shallow water. They also build nests out of mud on small islands in the lake, where they lay their eggs and raise their chicks.
Is it good for a day trip?
Lake Natron is not a typical tourist destination, and it requires some planning and preparation to visit. The lake is located in a remote and arid region of northern Tanzania, about 100 km from Arusha. The road to the lake is rough and dusty, and can be impassable during the rainy season. You will need a 4×4 vehicle, a guide, and plenty of water and supplies to make the journey. There are no shops or facilities along the way, so you have to be self-sufficient. The trip can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the road conditions and your stops.
What is the best time of the year to visit Lake Natron?
The best time to visit Lake Natron depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to witness the amazing spectacle of millions of flamingos breeding on the lake, you should visit between August and October, when the water level is low and the salinity is high. This is also the dry season, which means less rain and more sunshine, but also higher temperatures and dust. If you want to see more greenery and flowers in the landscape, you should visit between December and May, when the rains bring some relief to the parched land. This is also a good time to see other wildlife in the area, such as zebras, giraffes, antelopes, lions, hyenas, and leopards. However, be prepared for some muddy roads and mosquitoes.
How busy will it be?
Lake Natron is not a popular tourist destination, so you don’t have to worry about crowds or queues. In fact, you might feel like you have the whole place to yourself, as there are only a few lodges and camps near the lake, and they cater to a small number of visitors. You might encounter some local Maasai people who live in the area and graze their cattle near the lake. They are friendly and hospitable, and you can learn about their culture and traditions if you join a guided walk or visit their village.
Here are the top activities to do with your visit to Lake Natron.
- Climbing up to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai (Mountain of God), an active volcano that overlooks the lake.
- Swimming. Cool off in any one of the natural plunge pools in front of the accommodation units or dining/ bar area. There is also a larger pool suitable for swimming further downstream as well as endemic cyclids – bring some goggles or ask our team for a pair!
- Flamingo Walks. The beguiling lesser flamingo feeds on algae found in soda lakes across eastern Africa but chooses to breed almost exclusively at Lake Natron. Guests can take early morning or sunset walks to the lake flats.
- Bird Watching. The Lake Flats surrounding the edge of the water contain small streams, lakes, and hills that provide a variety of hospitable environments for birds that thrive in the alkali oasis. Take evening or morning walks to the lake, pond, and marsh for bird-watching.
- Hominid Footprints. Walk to hominid footprints within the concession area. New research has now confirmed these track-ways to be 120,000-years-old, making them the oldest Homo sapiens track-ways yet discovered.
- Ngare Sero Water Falls. Let us arrange half or full-day walks up Engare Sero gorge to several waterfalls. The scenery is a unique blend of arid volcanic rocks and lush tropical palms. Wear shoes that can get wet. Take 1 litter of water and snacks.
- Ngare Sero SOURCE adventure hike. A full day hiking deep into the Ngare Sero gorge to see the source of the river. A picnic lunch is taken and at least 3 liters of water are required. A great alternative to climbing Lengai if the Lengai ascent is deemed not hikable.
- The Rift Valley Day Hike. A great alternative to climbing Lengai, this adventurous hike (6 hours, 10km) leaves at dawn from camp and you transfer to the base of the rift valley wall. You then scale the wall on foot, ascending close to the Ngare Sero gorge to enjoy the dawn. A picnic breakfast is taken with you and once on top this is the perfect place to enjoy being in one of the most dramatic view points in this region. After breakfast descend back down another route, or select the same way depending on time.
- Sundowner with a View. Take a 10minute drive to the top of nearby hill. Enjoy your sundowner overlooking the Lake Natron, the majestic Lengai and Gelai mountains and watch the sun go down behind the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.
- Maasai Boma Visit. This part of the Great Rift Valley is populated by the Masai people. Masai bomas spread around the area, but the main central village is few kilometres away to the west at the base of the escarpment. The village is named Engare Sero, which means dappled water.
So why would anyone want to visit Lake Natron?
Well, for one thing, it offers some of the most spectacular and dramatic scenery in Tanzania. The contrast between the pink lake, the black lava flows, and the blue sky is stunning. The lake also offers some unique and challenging activities, such as hiking to the waterfalls in the Ngare Sero gorge, climbing the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, or walking to the lake flats to see the flamingos. And if you are looking for a place to relax and unwind, you can enjoy a massage from a local Maasai woman, cool off in the natural springs, or have a sundowner with breathtaking views.
What is the bottom line?
Lake Natron is that it is a place for adventurous travelers who are looking for something different and off-the-beaten-track. It is not a place for luxury seekers or wildlife enthusiasts, as there are no big game animals or fancy amenities here. But if you are willing to endure some discomfort and challenge yourself, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty and power.