Lake Natron – Tanzania
Lake Natron: Nature's Fiery Mirror
Discover the surreal beauty of Lake Natron in Tanzania, a hauntingly captivating natural wonder. Known for its vivid red waters and otherworldly landscapes, this alkaline lake is a haven for flamingos and an extraordinary testament to the delicate balance of nature. Immerse yourself in the eerie charm of Lake Natron, where the interplay of minerals and microorganisms creates a mesmerizing, almost alien environment that both challenges and mesmerizes the senses.
About the
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is 57 km long, 22 km wide and less than 3 meters deep. The lake is fed by the waters from both the Ewaso Ngiro River and hot alkaline springs. Lake Natron is a caustic soda wonder. Sitting at the base of Ol Doniyo Lengai it is one of the most un-inhabitable and harsh environments on Earth. The majority of species can’t deal with the lake’s searing temperatures and high alkalinity, but a small type of tilapia (fish) and flamingos call it home. The blue-green algae that thrive in this environment turn the lake an eye-popping red and orange and as it’s the lesser flamingoes favorite food, it is the most important breeding site for them in the world.
- Climbing the still active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano
- Visit the world’s most important breeding ground of millions of lesser flamingos at Lake Natron
- Admire the incredible scenery and extraordinary red colour of Lake Natron with this iconic volcano
- Hiking to the breeding cliffs of the Rüppell’s griffon vultures
Tanzania’s only active volcano. The world’s only active volcano that produces lava, containing almost no silicon. The lava is incredibly fluid (like water) and is ‘only 500 degrees C’ (‘normal’ lava is around 1000 degrees C). And you can climb this pretty volcano covered with white ashes, making it look like it is covered with snow or ice. A tough climb, but the views from the top make it all worthwhile.
This is the only breeding site in East Africa and the most important in the world, with 75% of the world’s lesser flamingo population coming here to breed. The lake is also home to more than 400 other birds species, including many water birds. It’s an incredible sight you will never forget.
The landscape in the Lake Natron region is out-of-this-world. It is incredibly stark and beautiful, clearly showing its geological origins. This is an off-the-beaten-track destination you won’t regret visiting.
From the small town of Ngare Sero on the south side of Lake you can walk to the Ngare Sero gorge where the Rüppell’s griffon vultures nest. From there you can continue walking to the smaller and big waterfalls. Make sure you don’t forget to bring your bathers so you can jump in for a refreshing swim.
Fly to Lake Lake Natron and Oldonyo Lengai
The nearest airstrip to Lake Natron and Oldonyo Lengai is at Lake Manyara. However, it is also possible to fly to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Book your cheap flight to Lake Natron and Oldoino Lengai with Tripindigo today and marvel at the lunar landscapes of this off-the-beaten-track region before hiking to the top of Oldoinyo Lengai.
Drive to Lake Lake Natron and Oldonyo Lengai
From Arusha it takes less than 2 hours to reach the turn off at Mto wa Mbu on a good tarmac road. From there the road to Lake Natron and Oldonyo Lengai takes you north and as the road is usually not in good condition it takes around 2,5 hours.
The cool, dry months of spring from June to October and the hot and dry summer months of December to February are the best times to visit.
High season
This area doesn’t get many visitors, and it is possible to visit any time of year unless the road is impassable during the long rains. High season is mostly in the dry season when people want to climb to the top of Oldoinyo Lengai or to visit the breeding ground of the flamingos.
Low season
During the long rains the road to Lake Natron and Oldoinyo Lengai might become difficult to pass. This is usually the low season.
Best time to visit Lake Natron to see the breeding flamingos
Sometime between August and October the flamingos nest on Lake Natron and lay their eggs. The eggs usually hatch during December. The breeding is on the north-east near the hot springs.
At all other times of the year, you can still see flamingos near the southern shores usually, but not in the large numbers when they are breeding.
