Lake Natron Safari Tour : Planning An Unforgettable Lake Natron Safari : Lake Natron is one of the stunning place to visit during your Tanzania safari tour. It is located Near the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, on the Kenyan border. Ancient hominid footprints, the largest breeding grounds for the Lesser Flamingo, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and the world’s only active carbonatite volcano can all be found in Lake Natron. Continue reading to learn more about Lake Natron if you want to include it in your extensive Tanzania safari.
The lowest point of the rift valley and the world’s most caustic body of water, Lake Natron, are situated between its volcanic hills and deep craters. It is 600 meters above sea level. The Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River and mineral-rich hot springs both supply the lake with water. There are high concentrations of salt magnesite and sodium carbonate (natron) on its surface, which is visible as a pinkish-white soda crust. It is less than three meters (10 feet) deep and varies in width depending on its water level, which changes due to high levels of evaporation.
Travel is difficult in the hot, frequently dusty, and dry region surrounding the lake, but those who do decide to go to Natron are rewarded with some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. Even just the scenery is worth the trip! Lake Natron is the ideal starting point for incredible adventures because it is home to the Maasai and over a million flamingos. Numerous volcanic implosion craters, waterfalls, and ravines with Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture nesting sites are among the attractions in the area surrounding the lake.
WILDLIFE AT LAKE NATRON
The lake’s salinity renders it uninhabitable for many plants and animals, but flamingos, whose leathery skins enable them to withstand the deadly waters, find a surprising habitat in the saltwater marshes surrounding the lake. Lesser and greater flamingos can be found in the greatest numbers in this lake in East Africa, where they eat the lake’s spirulina, a green algae with red pigments. It is a secure breeding location because Lake Natron’s caustic environment acts as a barrier against predators trying to reach their nests on seasonally-forming evaporite islands.
Animals that aren’t adapted to the pH and temperature of the water could have their skin and eyes burned off. The lake’s lone, mummified birds, which are occasionally spotted along the shoreline and have been calcified over a long period of time into strange fossils, are its most intriguing and otherworldly feature.
Aside from fish that can survive in the slightly less salty water, the lake is also home to endemic algae, invertebrates, and other organisms. Other animals that live here include the zebra, ostrich, lesser kudu, gazelle, gerenuk, and golden jackal.
ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE ON A LAKE NATRON TOUR
Bird Watching and Flamingo Lake Walk
Lesser flamingos breed almost exclusively at Lake Natron in eastern Africa, where they consume algae from soda lakes. In actuality, Lake Natron is home to roughly 75% of the world’s lesser flamingos. When the heat isn’t as intense, sunrise or sunset are the best times to see these amazing birds. The small lakes, streams, and hills that make up the Lake Flats near the water’s edge offer a variety of hospitable habitats for birds that thrive in the alkali oasis. Lake Natron is unique to Africa, and since kids love flamingos in particular, it makes the ideal addition to a family safari in Tanzania.
Mountain Biking at Lake Natron
Ride a bike around Lake Natron. Get on a mountain bike and tour the neighborhood with your guide. Please be aware that this must be scheduled in advance. Advice: do this activity at sunrise or sunset when the weather is cooler.
Hominid Footprints at Lake Natron
You can take a short stroll from the concession area to the hominid footprints, where scientists have documented uncommon finds of exceptionally well-preserved human footprints made in the mud between 5,000 and 19,000 years ago. No other African site has as many prehistoric Homo sapiens footprints, making it a gold mine for researchers trying to understand the history of early humanity.
Lake Natron’s Natural Pools
At Lake Natron Camp, there are several natural plunge pools where you can cool off. There’s also a deeper, larger pool where you can submerge yourself in the cool shade of the netting. However, don’t be afraid of the tiny fish! Although they can bite, they are very gentle. Actually, it’s more of a nibble.
Ngare Sero Water Falls
We’ll set up a hike up Ngare Sero Gorge so that you can see these magnificent waterfalls, which are a clear favorite of our visitors. A unique combination of dry volcanic rocks and lush tropical palms characterizes the landscape. If you want to bring a packed lunch, ask your guide; it’s a great place to do so.
Rift Valley Day Hike
It’s much better to hike the Rift Valley than to climb Mount Lengai. Before dawn, you set out on this exciting trek, which takes you to the foot of the rift valley wall. Then, as you approach the Ngare Sero Gorge on foot, you ascend while taking in the dawn. You’ll enjoy being at one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the area, so bring a picnic breakfast with you to the top. Following breakfast, you either return via a different route or, depending on time, you may return via a different route. After lunch, you’ll return to camp and unwind in the natural pool or get a massage—or do both!
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano Climb
Go up the “Mountain of God” over the course of a night. The 2,962-meter volcano is a mystical and unforgettable experience to climb in the moonlight. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the breathtaking views at sunrise from the top make it worthwhile. On a clear day, expect to see the tips of Kilimanjaro National Park and Meru as they emerge from the horizon to the east. You can learn more about Mount Kilimanjaro and West Kilimanjaro if that interests you. The northern shore of Lake Natron, which borders Kenya, can be seen in the distance to the north. You’ll be able to see across the Sale Plains and all the way to the Gol Mountains in the west, and the view will be so breathtaking you won’t believe it’s real!
It’s crucial to understand that your guide will decide whether or not it is safe to start your climb because conditions on Lengai can change every day. Once on the mountain, getting to the summit section depends on daily conditions as well. Visitors should be aware that it’s possible they won’t make it to the actual summit, but refunds are sadly not an option. The Village Office controls Mt. Lengai fees, and they are flexible. Please check prices with us before making a reservation.
Please get in touch with us if you have any additional questions or if you’d like to begin organizing your Tanzania safari, which include Lake Natron visit.
