Lying in a beautifully scenic area below the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Natron is an oasis in the dry remote landscape. This lake is extremely alkaline and therefore so toxic that hardly any animals can survive, except flamingos. Lake Natron is the main breeding ground in East Africa for millions of Lesser Flamingos. It is famed for the massive flocks of these pink birds and the amazing red and orange colours of the lake. Although very remote and rather hot, Lake Natron offers an unique beauty that is truly worth a visit.
Lake Natron’s flamingos
With few other animals able to survive the high pH-level and temperature of Lake Natron, there is plenty of food for the flamingos. Apart from the abundance of food this place is remote and so peaceful. That is the reason why more than 75% of the world’s flamingos breeds at Lake Natron between August and October. Salt-loving organism and algae (that give flamingos their pink tint) sometimes turn the lake into stunning colours. Photographers made the most spectacular photos of Lake Natron with beautiful mosaic pattern of bright orange, pink and red. For sure, this lake offers some of the most unusual and dramatic scenery in Tanzania.
Oldonyo Lengai
South of Lake Natron in the eastern rift valley of North Tanzania, lies Mount Oldonyo Lengai. This is the only active volcano in East Africa and the third highest mountain in the Tanzania (2,886 m/9,469 ft). Due to the heat the volcano produces, it is only possible to climb it at night when the air is much cooler. At the summit you can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Natron and the surrounding area. In the Maasai language the name Oldoinyo Lengai means ‘ Mountain of God’.
Dramatic landscape
Apart from climbing the Oldonyo Lengai Mountain you can hike to a waterfall, up the escarpment or visit a Maasai village. This area is home of the Maasai tribe, who’s lifestyle is fairly untouched by modern culture. Although you can see game like baboons, vultures, kudu, oryx and gerenuk, the main draw is the untouched wilderness and the dramatic landscapes. Enjoy the beauty of the night sky at Lake natron, full of glittering stars and the Milky Way clearly visible, most of the time.
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