Lake Natron: A Unique Marvel at the Foot of Ol’ Doinyo Lengai

Lake Natron, located on the Tanzania-Kenya border, rests at the base of Ol’ Doinyo Lengai, the sacred mountain of the Maasai people. This remarkable lake, in the northern Ngorongoro region, is famed for its striking red hues, which shift with the changing light throughout the day. It is mainly fed by Kenya’s Ewaso Nyiro River and mineral-rich hot springs, with water temperatures soaring up to 40°C under the intense sun.

What makes Lake Natron truly unique is its extreme alkalinity, with a pH of 10.5—almost as strong as ammonia. Its high salinity, resulting from evaporation that leaves behind concentrated minerals, supports pigmented bacteria that give the lake its vivid red color. Though shallow, only about three meters deep, the lake stretches as far as 60 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide, providing a critical habitat for thousands of flamingos that thrive in this extreme environment.

Lake Natron is also known for its eerie “mummified” birds. The lake’s reflective surface can mislead migrating birds, causing them to collide with it, after which the sodium carbonate-rich waters preserve their remains. During the dry season, as the waters recede, these preserved birds are revealed, creating a haunting yet fascinating spectacle.

Activities Around Lake Natron:

• Ngare Sero Waterfalls Hike: Wander through lush greenery and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool cascades.

• Ol’ Doinyo Lengai Volcano Trek: Conquer this active volcano for breathtaking views and an immersive encounter with the Maasai’s sacred site.

With its stunning landscapes, ecological importance, and extraordinary geological features, Lake Natron is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring northern Tanzania.