Overview
A soda lake at the base of the volcanic active Mount Ol Donyo Lengai, the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Lake Natron is found in the northern part of Tanzania. The nearest towns to Lake Natron are Arusha in Tanzania and Magadi in Kenya. It is the most important breeding site for Lesser Flamingos in the world.
East Africa has 1.5-2.5 million Lesser Flamingos, representing three-quarters of the world population and most of them are hatched at Lake Natron.
WHY VISIT
Lake natron is the scenic beauty,
Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track
There are a number of campgrounds near the lake, which is also the base for climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Three-quarters of Lesser Flamingos in the world
Able to visit Maasai village
To see the wildest animals, birds
Why is Lake Natron red?
The red accessory photosynthesizing pigment in the cyanobacteria produces the deep reds of the open water of the lake and the orange colours of the shallow parts of the lake. The alkali salt crust on the surface of the lake is also often coloured red or pink by the salt-loving microorganisms that live there.
why lake natron contains a lot of flamingos?
Because Lake Natron is brimming with alkaline water, it offers the perfect environment for these bacteria to thrive. As a result, flamingos flock there every year by the millions to feed and breed.
lake natron flamingo season
the dry season is the best time to see flamingoes at lake natron
The coolest months are June through August. The flamingos of Natron lay their eggs normally during the end of the dry season in September and October.
How do flamingos survive in Lake Natron?
Lesser flamingos primarily feed on cyanobacteria known as spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis), which grows in bodies of water with high alkalinity levels. Because Lake Natron is brimming with alkaline water, it offers the perfect environment for these bacteria to thrive.
Why the lake natron is so deadly
lake natron is highly alkaline as a result the Ph. and temperature levels in the water is so high that it can cause damage to the skin and eyes of animals not adapted to it, however, these conditions are suitable to flamingoes making the lake natron one of the last places on earth they can survive
Do Flamingos attack humans?
They have sharp claws and hooky beaks that tear through flesh. They, don’t attack living animals or humans.
Is Lake Natron a freshwater lake?
Although development plans include the construction of a dike at the north end of the lake to contain the freshwater, the threat of dilution to this breeding ground may still be serious. There is no formal protection. A new threat to Lake Natron is the proposed development of a soda ash plant on its shores.
How do flamingos survive in Lake Natron?
Special tough skin and scales on their legs prevent burns, and they can drink water at near boiling point to collect fresh water from springs and geysers at lake edges. If no freshwater is available, flamingos can use glands in their head that remove salt, draining it out from their nasal cavity.
Things to do at lake natron
Bird watching: Lake natron is the best destination for bird enthusiasts especially those fond of flamingos (Flamingo walk on the shore of the lake)
Hiking: Tourists visiting lake natron can have fun hiking up to the engage sero waterfalls, the top of the waterfalls provides you with outstanding photo opportunities and also majestic views of lake natron
Picnicking can be done when visiting lake natron. The great rift valley hiking trail will lead you to a dramatic picnic site on top of Lengai and hiking the rift valley wall on foot and then descend using another route to the valley
Cultural tours/ traditional village Maasai. You will be able to discover the traditional life of the Maasais, their culture, their traditions and visit their bomas (grouping of huts of an extended family). You will be able to participate in the milking of animals when they come back from pastures. Maasais women will offer you the purchase of their handmade Maasai jewellery. The children will be happy to escort you. You will have to ask for their permission and expect to have to buy jewellery to photograph them.
Visit the archaeological sites: historical sites and archaeology can walk to the hominid footprints believed to be over 1000, 000-year-old
Maasai BBQ. Maasai people love meat and with them, you can observe and learn about how they slaughter a goat, drink fresh blood and slowly cut out each piece of meat that they will then barbecue around open fire. As they do the barbecue, warriors will sing and dance their traditional songs for you.
Camping and camel safari
You can swim in the natural pool of spring water
Visit Ol Doinyo Lengai. The climb of this active volcano takes place at night
You can watch the splendours as this avifauna hunt for food and fill the skies with a specular display of pink and subtle.
