Planning An Unforgettable Lake Natron Safari Tour : Near the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, is where the stunning Lake Natron can be found. Ancient hominid footprints, the largest breeding grounds for the Lesser Flamingo, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and the world’s only active carbonatite volcano can all be found in Lake Natron.
The lowest point of the rift valley and the world’s most caustic body of water, Lake Natron, is situated between its volcanic hills and vast craters. It is 600 meters above sea level. The Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River and mineral-rich hot springs both supply the lake with water. There are large concentrations of salt magnesite and sodium carbonate (natron) on its surface, which is visible as a pinkish-white soda crust. It is less than three meters (10 feet) deep and fluctuates in breadth according to its water level, which changes due to high levels of evaporation, Planning An Unforgettable Lake Natron Safari Tour.
Travel is difficult in the hot, frequently dusty, and arid region surrounding the lake, but those who do decide to go to Natron are rewarded with some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. Even just the scenery is worth the trip! Lake Natron is the ideal starting point for incredible experiences because it is home to the Maasai and over a million flamingos. Numerous volcanic implosion craters, waterfalls, and ravines with Rappel’s Griffon Vulture nesting sites are among the highlights in the area surrounding the lake.
WILDLIFE AT LAKE NATRON
The lake’s salinity renders it uninhabitable for many plants and animals, but flamingos, whose leathery skins enable them to endure the fatal waters, find a surprise refuge in the saltwater marshes surrounding the lake. Lesser and larger flamingos can be seen in the greatest numbers in this lake in East Africa, where they eat the lake’s spirulina, a green algae with red hues. It is a secure nesting habitat because Lake Natron’s caustic environment acts as a barrier against predators seeking to reach their eggs on seasonally-forming evaporite islands. Animals who aren’t accustomed to the pH and warmth of the water could have their skin and eyes burned off. The lake’s lone, mummified birds, which are occasionally spotted along the beach and have been calcified over a long period of time into bizarre fossils, are its most intriguing and surreal feature.
Aside from fish that can survive in the somewhat less salty water, the lake is also home to unique algae, crustaceans, and other organisms. Other creatures that live here include the zebra, ostrich, lesser kudu, gazelle, gerenuk, and golden jackal, Planning An Unforgettable Lake Natron Safari Tour.
THINGS TO DO ON A TOUR OF LAKE NATRON
Bird watching and a walk around Flamingo Lake
Lesser flamingos reproduce virtually entirely at Lake Natron in eastern Africa, where they consume algae from soda lakes. In actuality, Lake Natron is home to over 75% of the world’s lesser flamingos. When the heat isn’t as intense, morning or sunset are the best times to see these wonderful birds. The small lakes, streams, and hills that make up the Lake Flats along the water’s edge offer a range of suitable habitats for birds that thrive in the alkali oasis. Lake Natron is unique to Africa, and since kids love flamingos in particular, it is the ideal addition to a family safari in Tanzania.
Mountain biking at Lake Natron
Ride a bike around Lake Natron. Get on a mountain bike and tour the neighborhood with your guide. Please be aware that this must be scheduled in advance. Advice: When the temperature is cooler, do this during sunrise or sunset.
Hominid Footprints at Lake Natron
You can take a short stroll from the concession area to the hominid footprints, where scientists have documented the uncommon discovery of exceptionally well-preserved human footprints made in the mud between 5,000 and 19,000 years ago. No other African site contains as many prehistoric Homo sapiens footprints, making it a gold mine for researchers trying to understand the history of early humanity.
Lake Natron’s Natural Pools
At Lake Natron Camp, there are several natural plunge pools where you may cool yourself. There’s also a deeper, larger pool where you can submerge yourself in the cool shade of the netting. However, don’t be afraid of the tiny fish! Although they can bite, they are exceedingly kind. Actually, it’s more of a nibble.
Waterfalls of Ngare Sero
We’ll set up a hike up Ngare Sero gorge so that you can see these magnificent waterfalls, which are a clear favorite of our visitors. A strange combination of dry volcanic rocks and lush tropical palms characterizes the landscape. If you wish to bring a packed lunch, ask your guide; it’s a great place to do so.
Rift Valley Day Hike (6 hours)
It’s far better to hike the Rift Valley than to climb Mount Lengai. Before daybreak, you set out on an exciting hike, which takes you to the foot of the rift valley wall. Then, as you approach the Ngare Sero Gorge on foot, you ascend while taking in the morning. You’ll appreciate being in one of the most dramatic vistas in the area, so bring a picnic breakfast with you to the top. Following breakfast, you may return by a different route or, depending on time, you may return via a different route. After lunch, you’ll return to camp and unwind in the natural pool or have a massage—or do both, Planning An Unforgettable Lake Natron Safari Tour
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano Climb
Make a nighttime ascent to the summit of the “Mountain of God.” The 2,962-meter volcano is a mysterious and unique experience to climb in the moonlight. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the breathtaking views at daybreak from the summit make it worthwhile. Expect to see the points of Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru as they emerge from the horizon to the east on a clear day. You can learn more about Mount Kilimanjaro and West Kilimanjaro if it interests you. The northern edge of Lake Natron, which borders Kenya, can be seen in the distance to the north. You’ll be able to look across the Sale Plains and all the way to the Gol Mountains in the west, and the view will be so breathtaking you won’t believe it’s real!
It’s crucial to realize that your guide will decide whether or not it is safe to start your climb because conditions on Lengai can vary every day. Once on the mountain, getting to the summit segment depends on daily conditions as well. Visitors should be aware that it’s possible they won’t make it to the actual summit, but refunds are sadly not an option. The Village Office controls Mt. Lengai fees, and they are flexible. Please check pricing with us before making a reservation.
“Please get in contact with us if you have any other questions or if you’d like to begin organizing your Tanzanian safari, which should include Lake Natron”
