Great Migration 16-Day Northern Tanzania Safari with Lake Natron & Lake Eyasi
Arusha (2) · Moshi (Kilimanjaro) (2) · Tarangire National Park (2) · Lake Manyara National Park (2) · Lake Natron (2) · +3 more
Explore Destination · Tanzania
Lake Natron
Lake Natron flamingos: Lake Natron lies in the hottest, driest corner of northern Tanzania, hard against the Kenyan border.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJune to October is cooler and dry, and best for the Lengai climb
- Trips1 sample trip
- Destinations nearbyMateruni Village, Ngorongoro Crater
Lake Natron flamingos: what to know
Lake Natron lies in the hottest, driest corner of northern Tanzania, hard against the Kenyan border. Its water is a strongly alkaline soda brine that can reach 40°C in the shallows, and almost nothing can live in it. That is exactly what makes it valuable: it is the main breeding site for East Africa's lesser flamingos, which nest on mud flats far out in the lake where predators cannot reach them.
What to know before you go
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Ol Doinyo Lengai
Above the southern shore stands Ol Doinyo Lengai, the "Mountain of God" in Maa. It is nearly 3,000 m high and is the only volcano on Earth currently erupting natrocarbonatite lava, which flows black and weathers white within days. The climb is done at night to avoid the heat, starting around midnight and reaching the crater rim for sunrise. It is steep, loose and strenuous, and suits fit walkers only.
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Walks and waterfalls
Easier options include a walk across the flats to the lake edge to see flamingos, and a hike up the Engare Sero gorge, wading through the stream to a set of waterfalls and pools where you can swim. Near the lake are human footprints preserved in volcanic mud, dated to several thousand years ago.
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Getting there
Natron is three to four hours on a rough, dusty road from Mto wa Mbu. Accommodation is simple: a handful of camps and one or two small lodges. The reward is a part of Tanzania that few safari visitors reach.
When to visit Lake Natron
June to October is cooler and dry, and best for the Lengai climb. Flamingos are usually most numerous from about August to October, when they breed. December to March is very hot, and heavy rain can cut the road.
Where It Is
Lake Natron and the other places we travel to nearby.
Lake Natron
Trips that include Lake Natron
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Great Migration Plan Your Safari to Lake Natron
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about Lake Natron
Why is Lake Natron red?
Salt-loving microorganisms that thrive in the alkaline water produce red and orange pigments, which become more visible as the lake evaporates in the dry season.
How hard is climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai?
Hard. It is a steep ascent of about 1,600 vertical metres on loose ash and rock, done overnight, with a difficult descent. You need good fitness, sturdy boots and a local guide.
Can you swim in Lake Natron?
No. The water is caustic and hot. You can swim in the freshwater pools of the Engare Sero gorge nearby.
Destinations nearby
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
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