Lake Natron a unique Lake in the Great Rift Valley region north of Tanzania, its drop is filled with Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai an active volcano that seems to be a whole different from other active volcanoes of East Africa, the Lake is referred to as deadly by the locals due to its high Alkaline levels, these make it impossible for animals to drink on the waters as some end up dead or even turned into mummies. The Lake has a maximum length of approximately 56 kilometres and a width of 22km, it is primarily fed by river Ewaso Ngiro and seems to have no outlets, the Lake is patched with red colour and mostly Algae, it is a great breeding place of Flamingoes in the world, these have adapted to the harsh conditions around it and have upheld to their stay.
Lake Natron is regarded as one of the deadliest Lakes on the planet, despite it being deadly, it is a unique ecosystem for several animal species strong wildlife has emerged to be able to live within the biodiverse environment the Lake contains fish for example the alcolapia latilabris and Alcolapia ndalalani, this species is found within the lake despite it not being an endemic to the destination. The lake is famous for flamingoes which are born and on this lake and other several birds on the lake Examples of species include speckled pigeon, red-eyed dove, bare-faced go away bird, red chested cuckoo, sombre night jar, little swift, grey crowned crane, black-billed plover bird, common snipe to mention a few. Besides birds at Lake Natron, other wildlife species at Lake Natron include Kudus, zebras, gerenuks, ostriches, and golden Jackals, despite these being present on the Lake it is rare to see them.
Wildlife at Lake Natron is best seen during the dry season between the months of December-February and June –September, it is also a high tourism season hence expect to have more travelersboard for the tour to the destination. Things to do while at the Lake include bird watching, flamingo walks along the banks of the Lake it takes 2-3 hours to do the activity with an experienced guide. Walks along the Homo sapiens footprints, this is one of the most unique sites to see foots preserved from over 2000 years ago.
Lake Natron is located in the northern part of Tanzania, it can be accessed by road from Arusha, it takes approximately 2-3 hours to drive through the countryside of Tanzania, the drive to the ecosystem is more adventurous when you pass through other ecosystems, for example, Serengeti National park home to big cats and the so-called big five of the wilderness and the Ngorongoro Crater region.
In conclusion, wildlife at Lake Natron is not as much compared to other places in northern Tanzania, for example, the Serengeti National park and Lake Manyara national park hence it is better when trips are together for better experiences, there is available accommodation at the Lake ranging from the best budget to luxury.