5 Amazing Things to Do at Lake Natron

Remote and inhabited only by scattered Maasai settlements, Lake Natron sits at the foot of the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai, in northern Tanzania. At an altitude of 2000 feet above sea level, it runs north/south along the Eastern Rift section of the Great Rift Valley.

Although Lake Natron's waters are shallow, it has never gone dry--even through notoriously hot summers. Natural springs surround the lake, providing precious water for many species of birds and other fauna.

The shallow waters of Lake Natron evaporate, leaving the remaining water with a very high concentration of sodium carbonate (soda). In this highly alkaline environment, algae and zooplankton thrive.

Because of Lake Natron's extreme isolation and mineral-rich water (the perfect environment for abundant microorganisms as a food source), the lake is the ideal breeding ground for over 2.5 million lesser flamingos.

Visitors to the lake will see firsthand the fragility of the lake's ecosystem. Lake Natron is the lesser flamingos' only breeding site in East Africa and home to over 300 other species of birds, including the great white pelican.

All this rich biodiversity and rare scenic beauty make the remote Lake Natron a must-visit destination in Tanzania. And if you're wondering how best to enjoy this destination, we've listed our recommendations for exciting activities in and around Lake Natron

5 Things to Do in Lake Natron

Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai

Ol Doinyo Lengai (the Maasai's Mountain of God), at an elevation of 10,459 feet, is the only active volcano in Tanzania. A popular peak for hiking, amazing views of the Tanzanian plains, stretching across the expanse to Kilimanjaro, can be seen from the summit.

With an early start and proper equipment, any fit hiker can make it to the top in 4 to 5 hours. Remember to take your hiking sticks, suitable clothing, a jacket, and a good camera to capture the view. Read our hiking in Tanzania guide for more details. 

Birdwatching

If you are into birdwatching, then you have struck gold. There could not be a better place to observe one of the largest populations of colorful lesser flamingos in their natural habitat.

When visiting the lake, you can get close to these pink-feathered friends for observation or picture-taking. And as mentioned, with over 300 species of birds, visitors can enjoy the sight of certain species of ostriches and storks and even the bateleur, part of the eagle family.

Day Trek on the Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley is a fascinating geologic and geographic feature running the entire eastern length of Africa down to Mozambique. Also called the East African rift, it comprises a series of contiguous trenches formed from the splitting apart of the African tectonic plate into two separate plates. Hikers who take a short detour from Lake Natron and climb the rift valley wall are treated to the majestic views of fragmented valley walls that stretch as far as the eye can see. It takes around 6 hours to complete the trek, and we suggest you start early in the morning. Take a picnic breakfast or brunch to enjoy at the top of the ridge, and prepare for a fantastic view. It is a deep crack in the Rift Valley, and at the end of this gorge, you will find a pretty waterfall you can hike up to alongside the river. The waterfall is part of a beautiful, small oasis, an all-time favorite for hikers who love to have a swim and enjoy the surrounding lush palm trees and rare volcanic rocks. 

Maasai Cultural Visit

As your safari progresses around Lake Natron, you will spot different Maasai tribal settlements. It is part of the safari experience, and travelers have the opportunity to meet the Maasai people and learn about their lives and culture. If you wish, you can visit their villages and participate in community activities. You will also have the chance to shop and buy souvenirs like authentic, handcrafted jewelry made from beads and other trinkets.

Footprints of Man 

If you get the chance to take the guided walk around Lake Natron, we hope you jump on it. Here, you'll see for yourself some of the most well-preserved footprints of the earliest humans (hominids). These fossil records date back 5,000 years to 12,000 years and offer fascinating proof of how ancient humans evolved. Recent research even hints that some of these footprints can date back 120,000 years.

FAQs

Is Lake Natron dangerous for swimming?
Lake Natron can be dangerous to most animals and humans because of its highly alkaline waters. The lake has a dark reddish hue, seemingly warning us not to drink the water. You can also occasionally spot some animal carcasses here and there around the lake. You are safe as long as you don’t immerse yourself in the water or consume it. 

When to visit Lake Natron? 

The best time to visit Lake Natron is from June to October when it is relatively cooler. It can get very hot during the months from December to February. 

The flamingoes will usually lay eggs around September, which will hatch around December. If you time it right, you could witness flocks of adorable young flamingo chicks learning to feed.

Contact Us

Can't wait to go to Lake Natron and participate in all these activities? We understand your excitement! Let us help make your trip to Lake Natron an unforgettable experience. Contact us and let us know your preferences. We will get back to you with a tailor-made itinerary that suits your needs and delights you, your family, and your friends.

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