Lake Natron
Lake Natron is located in the northeastern part of the Ngorongoro Crater in Africa. This location is within the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by volcanic hills and deep craters. The lake can be found at the lowest point of the rift valley, 600 meters above sea level. It is known as the most acidic body of water in the world.
known as the most acidic body of water in the world.
Lake Natron may only be for some as it is often hot, dry, and dusty, which may appeal more to adventurous travelers. However, those who do choose to include Lake Natron in their safari itinerary are rewarded with a unique and less crowded destination. In addition, this area boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Tanzania, making the tour here a genuinely worthwhile experience.
The transfer towards Lake Natron takes around three hours from Mto wa Mbu town, beside Lake Manyara. It is hot on the day, but the landscape is increasingly dramatic, with the Rift Valley rising on your left-hand side. You will soon focus on looking around, and the views are spectacular. Drive deep into the green vegetation that gives way to a sparse, dusty landscape.
To the north of this path stands great mounds which are the ruins of extinct volcanoes. The glimpse of the active Oldoinyo Lengai soon dwarfs these. To finally reach Lake Natron, you will drive around an imposing volcano and sometimes catch a glimpse of its smoking crown.
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Wildlife of Lake Natron
The area around Lake Natron supports some wildlife, you might see the occasional zebra or giraffe, but this is one among many reasons to come here. Lake Natron is home to a fascinating ecosystem that flourishes in this harsh environment.
The lake consists of millions of Cyanobacteria, salt-loving microorganism that produces their food. As the lake increases in salinity, it also attracts more population of various bacteria. The lake also hosts many blue-green algae with red pigments and Spirulina, on which many Lesser Flamingoes feed.
Lake Natron is considered a very aggressive environment, and other organisms cannot live there. In addition, the levels of lake alkalinity become so concentrated at a period that they almost approach that of straight ammonia. As a result, very few predator species can live here, making it a safe breeding ground for the flamingos.
Activities to be enjoyed around Lake Natron
Walking safari is the making activity in the Lake Natron area. You can walk across the baked mud to the shores of the lake, in which algae and zooplankton thrive, attracting the flamingos that line the lake’s shore.
Look back at the fascinating view of Oldoinyo Lengai standing tall among rolling hills and flat plains. Its ash-grey color and smoking top remind you this is still an active volcano. The walk around lake natron is best done early in the morning or late afternoon, escaping the day’s heat.