Lake Natron is a saline lake situated in the Arusha region of Tanzania, in the northern part of Ngorongoro district, with a surface elevation of 600 meters. It is primarily fed by the great Ewaso N’giro river and is less than 3 meters deep, with the width depending on its water levels. Lake Natron is home to 75% of the population of lesser flamingoes.
Lake Natron’s high salinity doesn’t favor most fish species or provide drinking water for animals. Nevertheless, the lake is still home to millions of lesser flamingoes, some birds and invertebrates, as well as alkaline tilapias and other fish species. Greater Flamingoes can also be found in the lake.
Lake Natron has a pH as high as 10.5, making it so caustic that it can burn the skin and eyes of animals not adapted to the lake. The bedrock surrounding Lake Natron is made up of sodium and dominated by trachyte lava deposited during the Pleistocene period. The concentration of caustic alkaline brine is caused by large amounts of carbonates and low calcium and magnesium levels.
Lake Natron is on the list of Ramsar wetlands of international importance. However, the proposed plan for a hydroelectric power plant on the Ewaso N’giro river, herding, flooding, and cultivation around the lake are major threats to the huge numbers of flamingoes breeding in the lake. When salinity levels increase during the dry seasons, some microorganisms like halophiles make their own food.
Ol Donyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano situated at the Gregory Rift, close to Lake Natron. The word “Ol Doinyo” is derived from a local Maasai word translated to mean “mountain of God” in the Maasai language. Ol Doinyo Lengai rises to an elevation of 3,188 meters above sea level. The mountain slopes of Ol Doinyo Lengai have provided enriched pasture for the wildebeests.
Recorded eruptions date back to 1917, with volcanic ash flows covering 48 kilometers. An eruption also occurred for several months in 1926. In 1940, the volcanic ash deposit reached about 100 kilometers away. Another major eruption occurred in 1966.
Activities at Lake Natron
- Guided Nature Walks: Guided nature walks with a knowledgeable and experienced guide can be done around Lake Natron. One of the trails can lead tourists to hominid footprints dating back 5,000 to 12,000 years ago. You can also use other trails to get closer to nature.
- Swimming: One of the most exciting activities you can do at Lake Natron is swimming in the natural pool with springs from underground.
- Birding: Areas around Lake Natron and Ol Donyo Lengai mountain harbor about 250 species of birds.
- Hiking: Tourists visiting Lake Natron can also hike the foothills of Mount Ol Donyo.
- Ngare Sero Waterfalls: The scenic Ngare Sero waterfalls are found within Lake Natron.
Where to Sleep
There are no accommodation options at Lake Natron, but tourists can camp at some designated camping areas near the lake shores or stay at the base camps used by most travelers climbing Mount Ol Donyo Lengai. Some camps include Masai Giraffe Campsites, Lake Natron Camp, and Lake Natron Halisi Camp.
Tourists planning to visit Lake Natron must obtain a permit from the Wildlife Management Association. A permit costs $6 for foreign residents and foreign non-resident children, $12 for adult foreign residents and foreign non-residents, camping costs $24 for adult foreign residents and foreign non-residents, $12 for foreign resident children and foreign non-resident children. Tourists are required to pay some village fees upon arrival in cash. The entry fee permits are valid for 24 hours.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the places you shouldn’t miss while on a safari in Lake Natron. The park boasts about 2 million ungulates, 550 cheetahs, 1000 leopards, 4000 lions, 500 species of birds, and much more.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also an area of interest if you’re visiting the northern circuit safari route in Tanzania. It was declared a multiple land-use area in 1959, where wildlife coexists with the traditional Maasai pastoralists who are cattle grazers.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive and intact caldera. The crater was formed when a huge volcano collapsed on itself about 2 to 3 million years ago. The crater floor covers about 260 square kilometers and is 610 meters deep. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and it harbors various wildlife species and birds.