Lake Natron is one exclusive waterbody popular for its angelic display along the northern circuit of Tanzania, it is surrounded by an active volcano of Oldoinyo Lengai, and its beauty is like no other you can ever witness with its red-like water surface occasionally, the area lies in Ngorongoro district near the crater in the northern part of the country, it is situated at the last point of the great rift valley region placed 600 meters above sea level, the amazing Lake is typically an alkaline lake with a high presence of Natron a natural resource taken for salt, the lake being alkaline most times makes it to be poisonous to animals it is one of the key reasons as to why the park is referred to a “Deadly red lake”. The Lake covers an area space of approximately 1,254 square kilometres and is a recognized important Ramsar wetland area.
Lake Natron is a perfect blend destination for the northern part of Tanzania, it offers unique attractions from the ranging surrounding walls of the rift valley, and spectacular composition which may seem artificial yet it’s a natural setup, the waters of the lake are known to turn animals and bird species into stone or Mummy’s it all sounds like a mystery or movie however due to the conditions of the lake it is more than possible that this is a true story, The lake has no outlets and is fed by the volcanic mountain springs flowing downhill its content is greatly influenced by the mountain activity,as its waters affect other wildlife species, lesser Flamingos survive on the Lake, and it is the largest breeding ground of Flamingos in the world.
The surrounding of the Rift Valley is dry with a desert format, a few growing desert roses can be sighted as you drive towards the lake, OlDoinyoLengai also known as the Mountain of God is not to miss as most of the earth’s happenings in this rift valley is basically as a result of the presence of the Lake. Flamingoes are the one species that has managed to survive while on the lake, it has adapted to the harsh environment and has adjusted to having an extreme salt diet. The birds feed onblue-green algae which survives in extreme conditions.
Things to do at Lake Natron mainly focus on walks in the conservation area the surrounding area is more than amazing to just have some time and take a walk, walking to the hominid footprints that have been preserved over the years is wonderful these human footprints date back to 5000 to 12000 years ago, other walks go to NgareSerogorge, for amazing waterfalls, and in the forest area.
Birdwatching at Lake Natron, there are thousands of Flamingoes on the Lake, these have naturally learned to survive on the lake despite its deep harsh conditions, it isa major breeding ground for Flamingoes, other birds present on the Lake include, white-faced whistling ducks, Knob billed duck, Egyptian goose, blue-tailed Tealamong other species.
Visit the Masai people, who live in the surrounding communities these have a strong authentic virgin culture, during the visit guests will have the chance to interact with the local community, and participate in their traditional dances together with the Masai people.
Hiking Ol doing Lenagi, a famous mountain also known as the “Mountain of God” hikers are in a position to view the surrounding communities and also views of Mountain Kilimanjaro, mountain is found on the southern end of the Great Rift Valley region, it is an active volcano feeding the Lake Natron.
Lake Natron can be reached via 2 routes through MtowaMbuwhich takes approximately +/-6 hours to drive, flights can be arranged to the nearest airstrip to the national park, the park can be visited any timeof the year but is best during the dry season between December -February and June -September.
In conclusion, Lake Natron visits can be combined with those of Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.