Details

Details of Lake Natron

Lake Natron 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. Lake Natron covers an area 56 km (35 miles) long and 24 km (15 miles) wide but the water level changes due to evaporation. The shallow and alkaline lake has different springs, the Ewaso Ng'iro River and different hot springs. The surface of Lake Natron, which has high salt, magnesite and sodium carbonate concentration, is covered with a pinkish-white soda crust.

The area around the lake offers different attractions such as a large number of volcanic implosion craters, numerous waterfalls and ravines with nesting places for Rüppell's Griffon Vultures. Among the most prominent attractions of Lake Natron is the Gelai Volcano, a 2,942 m (9,652 feet) high volcano in the southeastern part, and the archeological site of Peninj, where archeologists discovered the Peninj Mandible – the fossilized teeth of Australopithecus boisei.

Some of the activities at Lake Natron are swimming, a visit to Maasai boma or a simple trek to the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands with numerous craters.

The area has a beautiful wildlife

The lake is a breeding place for thousands of Rift Valley Flamingos. They build their nests using the soda flats between August and October. The flamingos of lake Natron feed with the lakes Spirulina algae. Because the flamingos use this area for breeding the lake and its surrounding is under the International concern for preservation. Other animals which inhabit this area are zebra, ostrich, fringed eared oryx, gazelle, gerenuk, lesser kudu and golden jackal.

Short Overview

Lake Natron 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. Lake Natron covers an area 56 km (35 miles) long and 24 km (15 miles) wide but the water level changes due to evaporation.

Let us plan your dream
African trip!

In this post you can find out the best places to travel in Africa by month. Where to Travel in Africa in January January is an absolutely fantastic time of year to be visiting Africa, with many of our destinations being absolutely beautiful. Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda all boast some...
The Maasai Boma villages of northern Tanzania are popular tourist attractions. While the idea of visiting one of these settlements may appear intriguing, there is an alternative that allows you to immerse yourself in the essence of Africa while respecting the local communities and supporting sustainable tourism. In this post...
In recent years, the allure of Maasai culture has attracted a lot of tourism to Boma settlements, leading to an increase in visitors seeking to experience firsthand the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Maasai people. However, we see that for a lot of travelers, this is not the experience...
Are you planning a trip to Tanzania and wondering about the yellow fever vaccination requirements? You'll be glad to know that the majority of travelers do not require the yellow fever vaccine for their journey to this breathtaking destination. Tanzania is considered a low-risk country for yellow fever, making it...
The ultimate guide to packing for an African safari adventure! Are you ready to embark on an African safari? It is an exhilarating experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and captivating cultures. However, to properly enjoy the experience, you need to be prepared. What you pack will make all...