LAKE NATRON

Lake Natron is a mineral-rich soda lake in northern Tanzania, on the Kenyan border. This a breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of lesser flamingos, despite the highly alkaline state of the striking red waters. It rests below Ol Doinyo Lengai, a soaring active volcano in the Rift Valley. Trails lead from the lake to the Engero Sero waterfalls, which flow over craggy rocks into a natural pool.

The lake shore is dotted with a pink hue, created by the thousands of flamingos that migrate there. The pink colour is the result of billions of halophilic bacteria. Their presence makes the lake ideal for flamingos and it is these bacteria that give the birds their magnificent pink colour. They are one of very few creatures who can thrive in these conditions; the caustic environment actually acts as a barrier against predators.

Lake Natron

One of the most original landscapes in East Africa, this area is breathtakingly beautiful! The fringe of the valley is composed of emerald green hills and mountains that create scenery unrivaled anywhere else in the world. Spectacular flocks of flamingos are one of the major attractions for visiting the lake. It is here where the lesser flamingos nest successfully. Over three quarter of the world’s population of this bird, breeds here because food is plentiful, nesting sites abound and because the lake exists in almost total isolation, free from outside disturbance.

The Ngare Sero River provides a surprising contrast to the heat and dust, as it flows clean and cool out of the Rift Valley wall into Lake Natron. Alongside this naturally pristine spectacle is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the world’s only active Sodium Carbonate Volcano! At 3450m, this impressive peak is well-regarded by the Maasai as the sacred “Mountain of God”.  A nearly perfect cone, it still erupts occasionally. The area is also home to the nomadic Maasai who maintain their traditional lifestyle.

This area is definitely for those who are looking for an adventurous safari. Activities here include walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment, bird watching, cycling and trekking up Ol Doinyo Lengai. A challenging hike to the top of the “Mountain of God” offers an opportunity to view molten lava and from there you have great views of the surrounding landscapes.

Tripadvisor Reviews

  • star rating  The entire experience was great! Within our budget, well-planned, and most importantly, really fun and interesting. Ann and Abu were both very kind and helpful. We saw many animals of... Read more

    Martín d
    18 Apr 2023
  • star rating  This is my 2nd individually tailored trip with Long way expeditions. I cannot praise enough the professionalism and care that Ann takes in planing safaris according to ones wishes... Read more

    mariacamilo43
    6 Mar 2023
  • star rating  Brilliant, safari experience - What an amazing adventure, superb safari, exceeded all our expectations, Ann is very attentive, patient, and accommodating, Frank our guide was brilliant, nothing was too difficult, he’s extremely knowledgeable, very... Read more

    sharonlM3080RD
    11 Oct 2022
  • star rating  Couldn't Be Happier With Our Choice! - We found Long Way Expeditions via Responsible Travel. From the moment we approached them for our Safari trip, communications with Ann were always extremely prompt and detailed. We had many... Read more

    7Gab2021
    27 Sep 2022
  • star rating  A memorable Tanzania, were one becomes in awe of Humans and Wildlife - Myself and my son+partner wanted to experience the Big 5 in Tanzania , if at all around (and they complied!!). I was lucky to receive Ann´s contact, the knowledgeable pragmatic... Read more

    mariacamilo43
    13 Sep 2022
  • star rating  Experienced, skilled an adventure with heart - The team is a friendly and family community collective that went over and above to create a personal experience which offers all the elements of a dream trip and more... Read more

    4evayogi
    25 Aug 2022
  • star rating  Wow! What a great adventure! - Longway expeditions did a great job to make our honeymoon a memorable experience! With humor and compassion Abu showed us a lot of the beautiful things Tanzania has to offer.... Read more

    Alma2204
    16 Jun 2022
  • star rating  Abu is a great driver, guide and person. He shows you Tanzania in an incredible wat. Always friendly, helpfull, a lot of knowledge about the wildlife. But also a very... Read more

    koens568
    12 Jun 2022