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Scenic Area - Tanzania
Lake Natron.
Lake Natron
Tanzania Scenic Area
Lake Natron is an amazing destination far from the madding crowds and no better way to explain it other than, a place that time simply forgot.
the lake is situated in northern Tanzania on the border with Kenya, close to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lake is in the vicinity of Ol Doinyo Lengai, which is visible on the southern part.
From June to November at the lake itself, upwards of three million flamingos gather – it's one of East Africa's most stirring wildlife spectacles. And close to the southern end of the lake, the views of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano are splendid.
Natron is the end point for a 3 or 4 day hike to Lake Natron passing Ol Donyo Lengai. There are a number of camps around the Lake which are also used as the base for climbing Ol Donyo Lengai.
"Other-worldly beauty and an incomparable feeling of space and antiquity."
Best Time to Go
June to September
Size
56km² / 26mi²
July to March
High Season
Wildlife
Zebra, Gazelle, Jackal
Noteworthy
Spot Flamingos
Altitude
601m / 1,968ft
Natron is accessible from Manyara airstrip, ca. 3 hrs drive through an increasingly amazing landscape.
Other-wordly.
Wildlife around Lake Natron
The hot and salty conditions in Lake Natron make it inhospitable to most animals, the temperature of the water is around 40°C and the pH level is usually above 10 and as high as 12. It is however a breeding place for a flock of 2,5 million flamingos. They build their nests using the soda flats between August and October. On the Lake shores other animals such as zebra, ostrich, oryx, gazelle and jackal can be spotted however in lesser numbers than in the other Parks.
Weather & Climate
The Lake Natron area is typically hot, very dry and dusty. It gets very hot between January and March, from March heavy rains make the area very difficult to access. From June temperatures drop but still averages around 30°C.
""A soda lake at the base of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty."
The Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit Lake Natron are the coolest months from June to August. Dry season extends from June to October is perfect for walking and trekking around the lake. During the dry season, the water in the lake evaporates and concentration of salts and microorganisms gets higher, creating amazing colors. The wet season starts in November and brings lots of rain and thunderstorms between March and May damaging most of the trails and roads.
Lake Natron Scenery
The active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai, “mountain of god” in the Maasai language dominates the area. The Lake itself is the lowest point of the Rift Valley. The scenery is one of volcanic craters and hills, lava dust and saline soil, not the most inviting area but a scenic, dramatic and very spectacular destination off the beaten track.
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