Lake Natron is a salt or soda lake near Lake Manyara in northern Tanzania. It is located in the Gregory Rift, the eastern branch of the East African Rift. The Lake lies at the foot of the Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano.
Natron is shallow, less than three meters deep, and varies in width depending on its water level. The Lake is 57 kilometers long and 22 kilometers wide. The area receives irregular seasonal rainfall, mainly between December and May. The temperatures at the Lake are often over 40 ° C.
As the freshwater evaporates in the Lake, water with high concentrations of salt minerals such as sodium and trona remains. The alkalinity of the Lake can reach a pH level of more than 12. Particular bacteria and blue algae thrive in this environment and form an ideal breeding ground for the life of birds. Such halophilic organisms include some cyanobacteria that, like plants, produce their food through photosynthesis. The red pigment in those cyanobacteria produces the deep red colors of tlake’se’s waters and the orange colors in the shallow areas. Salt-loving microorganisms color the alkali salt crust on the Lake’s surface red or pink.
LAKE NATRON IS THE PERFECT BREEDING PLACE FOR FLAMINGOS
Flamingos find a safe breeding ground at Lake Natron since most other animals find its acidic environment, high lake temperature (up to 60°C), and inhospitable salinity. It, therefore, provides a sound barrier against predators trying to reach nests on seasonal evaporation islands. Every year, more than two million flamingos come here to lay their eggs, and chicks hatch between September and April. Cyanobacteria are increasing with the salinity of the water, and the Lake can carry more nests. More giant flamingos also breed in the Wadden Sea.
OTHER ANIMALS IN LAKE NATRON
Some fish species (such as tilapia) can survive in the slightly less salty water near the shore. Lake Natron is also home to some endemic algae, invertebrates, and other birds. Tens of thousands of birds can be spotted near the Lake, making Lake Natron a prime destination for bird lovers in Africa.
NEARBY NATIONAL PARKS
Lake Natron is also well connected to other National parks, such as Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south, and the Northern Serengeti National Park in the west. Usually, Lake Natron will be visited after Lake Manyara National Park.
EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN LAKE NATRON
- Visit an authentic Maasai village
- A walk to Lake Natron itself
- Beautiful view of the mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai
- Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai (Not for everybody and at your own risk!)
- Walk to the waterfall (Not for everybody and at your own risk!)
- Birdwatching (if you are lucky, you can see thousands of flamingoes)
- Photography: the view of the large escarpment landscape + volcano
TRAVEL TIME LAKE NATRON
- Arusha to Natron: 6 hours
- Tarangire to Natron: 4 hours
- Lake Manyara to Natron: 3 hours
- Karatu to Natron: 4 hours
- Northern Serengeti to Natron: 4,5 hours
- Mto Wa Mbu to Natron: 3 hours
TRAVEL TIPS FROM OUR EXPERTS ABOUT LAKE NATRON
My name is Bruno. I’ve already been bringing visitors to Natron for over ten years. Our guests appreciate Natron as a well-appreciated place. This is also because it is different from all other game drives, allowing people to stretch their legs and do other activities before continuing with safari. From the end of July, we often go from Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti to see the river crossings.
My advice:
How long will you stay? Not less than two nights
Which accommodation? Maasai Giraffe Eco Camp for the more budget one and Lake Natron Camp for the more luxurious guests
BEST TIME TO VISIT The LAKE
It is hard to predict when the flamingos will be in the Lake, especially in the last few years. It all depends on the rainfall. The problem with Lake Natron is that you have to avoid it in the wet seasons because there is a very high chance that your car gets stuck in the mud. Therefore, July – October is the best time to reach the Lake by car.
INFORMATION AND FACTS
Lake Natron is known for the famous mountain of God, Ol Doinyo Lengai, an authentic Maasai village, and the beautiful Lake itself! It is a stunning landscape that differs from all other parks and has many things to do! Let us get out of the car and enjoy the activities around the Lake!
Most common animals
- Flamingo
- Lots of bird species
- Fishes
- Maasai goats, sheep, and donkeys
- Some small antelopes
- Some zebras and wildebeests
Facts about The Lake
- The area is 1.040 km²
- 2,5 million flamingos are coming there yearly to breed (75% of the world population)
- Lake Natron has the largest flamingo migration in the world
- Lake type: Salt Lake
- The size of the Lake when it is complete is 57 km by 22 km
- Water temperature: between 40-60°C
