About lake Natron

Lake Natron is a strikingly unique salt and soda lake located in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border, within the East African Rift Valley. It lies at the base of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano and is fed primarily by the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River and mineral-rich hot springs. The lake’s waters are extremely alkaline, with pH levels reaching up to 10.5, and temperatures that can soar above 40°C (104°F), creating a hostile environment for most life forms. Despite this, Lake Natron is a crucial breeding site for lesser flamingos, which thrive on the abundance of cyanobacteria in the lake’s shallow, red-tinged waters.

Interesting Facts about Lake Natron:

• The lake’s high alkalinity and salinity are caused by sodium carbonate and other minerals that wash down from volcanic ash.
• It gets its name from “natron,” a naturally occurring compound made mostly of sodium carbonate.
• The lake’s eerie red and orange colors are due to halophilic microorganisms and algae that flourish in its alkaline water.
• Lesser flamingos lay their eggs on small islands formed by evaporated mineral crusts, making it one of the only safe breeding grounds in East Africa.
• Dead animals that fall into the lake can calcify due to the extreme mineral content, giving rise to dramatic, statue-like preservation seen in photographs.

Nearby National parks

Lake Natron is also well connected other National parks, such as: Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south and the Northern Serengeti National Park in the west. Usually Lake Natron will be visited after Lake Manyara National Park.