Lake Natron is the lake in northern Tanzania, on the border with Kenya, lying in the East African Rift System, 70 miles (113 km) northwest of Arusha. The lake is 35 miles (56 km) long and 15 miles (24 km) wide and contains salt, soda, and magnesite deposits. The lake’s warm water is an ideal breeding ground for the Rift Valley flamingos. The Gelai volcano (9,652 feet [2,942 m]) is at the lake’s southeastern edge. Just west of Lake Natron at Peninj, archaeologists discovered the Peninj, or Natron, mandible—an almost perfectly preserved fossil hominid jaw containing a complete set of adult teeth. The specimen has been assigned to Australopithecus boisei.

Lake Natron, The Perfect Breeding Place for Flamingos

Flamingos find a safe breeding ground at Lake Natron, since most other animals find its caustic environment and high temperature of the lake (up to 60°C) as well as its high salinity inhospitable. It therefore provides a good barrier against predators trying to reach nests on seasonal evaporation islands. Every year, more than two million flamingos come here to lay their eggs and chicks hatch between September and April. Cyanobacteria are increasing with the salinity of the water, and the lake can carry more nests. Larger flamingos also breed in the Wadden Sea.

Other Animals in Lake Natron

Some fish species (such as tilapia) can survive in the slightly less salty water near the shore. Lake Natron is also home to some endemic algae, invertebrates and other birds. Tens of thousands of other birds can be spotted near the lake, making Lake Natron a prime destination for bird lovers in Africa.

The surrounding area is also home to other species that can survive in this dry and dusty landscape, including kudus, gerenuks, zebras, and ostriches. Fortunate adventurers may even catch a glimpse of a golden jackal!

Nearby National Parks

Lake Natron is also well connected to 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 is visited after Lake Manyara National Park.

Excursions and Activities in Lake Natron

• Visit an authentic Maasai village
• A walk to Lake Natron itself
• Beautiful view on the mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai
• Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai (Not for everybody and on your own risk!)
• Walk to the waterfall (Not for everybody and on your own risk!)
• Birdwatching (if you are lucky, you can see thousands of flamingoes)
• Photography: the view of the large escarpment landscape + volcano

Travel Time Lake Natron

Arusha to Lake Natron: 6 hours

Tarangire to Lake Natron: 4 hours

Mto Wa Mbu to Lake Natron: 3 hours