Lake Natron
Lake Natron is located in Northern Tanzania on the border with Kenya – just north-east of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area along the Rift Valley Escarpment. This roughly 55 km long, 25 km wide, but only 50 cm deep alkaline lake should be on the schedule of every adventure seeker! The surface is shimmering pinkish-white due to its high salt, magnesite and sodium carbonate concentration.
If you like to venture out on an off-the-beaten-path journey, then follow the remote road from the village of Mto wa Mbu to the Northern entry gate of Serengeti. You will be passing through untrammeled Maasai territory to the small oasis of Ngare Sero on the lakes south-western shore. Enjoy the beautiful scenery with Ol Doinyo Lengai, the holy mountain of the Maasai, in the backdrop.
Lake Natron is a home to a rich population of Lesser Flamingos. About 1.5 million flamingos depend on this lake during breeding season between August and October. Take a stroll to the lake shore to get a close view or venture out on further activities like: swimming in natural springs below waterfalls, visit a traditional Maasai boma, or trek through the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Main Facts
> area: 1,040 km²
> type: alkaline soda lake
> lake size: 55 km long, 25 km wide, but only 50 cm deep
> water temperature: up to 60°C
Best Time
> best during dry season: June to October
Common Animals
> Birds: lesser flamingos
Activities
> flamingo lake shore walk
> ngare sero waterfall hike
> traditional Maasai boma visit
> hiking at Ol Doinyo Lengai
> trekking through Ngorongoro Highlands
Expectations
> authentic Maasai experience
> beautiful scenery with the pinkish-white lake and Ol Doinyo Lengai
> photographic enthusiasts: most visually fascinating vistas in the world
Activities & Excursions at Lake Natron
Lake Shore Walk
Adventure seekers will enjoy a 2-hour stroll to the shores of the lake. A local Maasai guide will join you and explain more about this area. Lake Natron is a unique Salt Lake and one of the most important breeding grounds for the lesser flamingos in East Africa.
Maasai Village Visit
One of the joys of travelling is to experience other cultures and traditions! Take the time to visit one of the Maasai bomas at Lake Natron and get a sense of their local heritage and the fascinating ancestry of these noble people. The interaction on a personal level will be an extraordinary experience!
Ngare Sero Waterfall Visit
A local Maasai guide will lead you on a 2-hour walk to the source of the Engare Sero River who winds its way through the escarpment. Highlight of the walk is the waterfall in which clear waters one can swim in. A nice cool off! You might even come across a desert rose that grows in this dry area.
Our most popular safari adventures including Lake Natron
7-Day Off-Track Safari
Tour Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
National Parks: Tarangire, Lake Natron, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Highlands Trek
Tour Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Highlights: Lake Natron, Lake Empakai, Scenic Vistas & Maasai Encounters