Location, How to Get There, and Overview

Lake Natron is located in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, in the Great Rift Valley. It lies at the base of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano and is known for its strikingly red, alkaline waters, making it one of the most unique lakes in the world.

• By Road: Lake Natron is accessible from Arusha via a rough but scenic 4-5 hour drive.

• By Air: Nearby airstrips in the Serengeti or Lake Manyara provide charter flights, followed by a drive to the lake.

This shallow, highly alkaline lake is famous for its extreme environment, which supports life adapted to high temperatures and salinity.

Tourist Attractions

1. Flamingo Breeding Grounds – Lake Natron is the only regular breeding site for 2.5 million lesser flamingos in East Africa.

2. Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano – Known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai, this active volcano offers challenging hikes.

3. Engare Sero Waterfalls – A beautiful oasis for swimming, located in a gorge near the lake.

4. Unique Alkaline Lake – The lake’s high alkalinity creates breathtaking red and orange hues, making it a surreal landscape.

5. Fossilized Footprints – The lake area has ancient human footprints preserved in volcanic ash, dating back thousands of years.

Fun Facts

• The lake’s extreme alkalinity (pH as high as 10.5) can turn animals into mummified statues due to its mineral-rich waters.

• Despite its harsh conditions, the lake is home to specialized fish species, such as alkaline tilapia.

• The red color of the water is caused by salt-loving microorganisms that thrive in the lake.

• Lake Natron’s temperatures can reach up to 60°C (140°F) in some areas.

Best Time to Visit

• June to October (Dry Season) – Best for flamingo viewing, hiking, and scenic photography.

• November to May (Wet Season) – The landscape is greener, but road access can be difficult due to mud.

Activities

1. Flamingo Watching – Observe millions of flamingos in their natural breeding habitat.

2. Hiking Ol Doinyo Lengai – Climb the only active carbonatite volcano in the world for a sunrise summit.

3. Swimming in Engare Sero Waterfalls – Refresh yourself in a beautiful hidden waterfall.

4. Walking Safaris – Explore the surreal landscapes on foot with local guides.

5. Cultural Tours – Visit Maasai villages and learn about their traditional lifestyle.

6. Photography & Landscape Viewing – Capture the stunning red waters, reflections, and dramatic scenery.