If you are in search for an off-the-beaten-path adventure or something a little more rugged then you have a million reasons to consider Lake Natron a must-visit in East Africa. Lake Natron is remotely lying in Arusha region, Tanzania and a visit here is a great opportunity to experience nature away from the safari car.
Lake Natron is a magnificent salt/Alkaline Lake in the Gregory Rift, which is the Eastern arm of the East African Rift valley. This alkaline straddles within the Lake Natron Basin, a Ramsar Site wetland of international importance. Lake Natron is fed by the Ewaso Ng’iro River to the south, an area that rises in Central Kenya and by mineral endowed hot springs.
Unlike other lakes, Lake Natron is generally shallow with a depth of not more than 3m/9.8ft and its width various significantly depending on its level of water. This salt lake extends for 57kms long and 22kms wide, rising on a surface elevation of 600m.
History
Lake Natron was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of international significance on 4th July 2001. This is in consideration to its biodiversity endowment.
Location
Lake Natron lies in Northern Tanzania, just at the border with Kenya and at a close proximity to the splendid Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) and Serengeti National Park (SNP). NCA and Serengeti are ultimate big game destinations in Tanzania and East Africa at large. Interestingly, if it is witnessing wildebeest migration that you also plan for then a visit to Serengeti is worth your trip.
Ngorongoro and Serengeti N/Park are 2 magnificent protected areas situated 135kms away from each other. Lake Natron’s strategic location makes it an incredible site worthy visiting while on Tanzania holiday. Also, its location makes it the best place to explore Ol Donyo Lengai on the Southern side.
ATTRACTIONS IN LAKE NATRON.
Lake Natron is an exceptional Ramsar wetland, boasting of its rich attractions for you to explore. This saline lake largely hosts invertebrates and a huge profusion of bird species. However, there are a few other mammal species to expect to keep an eye on while on a tour in Lake Natron including the Gazelles, Gerenuk, Fringed eared Oryx, zebras, Golden jackals, Lesser & Greater Kudus.
Birdlife
Lake Natron is a host to huge colonies of pink flamingos-these mostly nest along the lake’s shores. While at Lake Natron, you can be amazed by thousands of flamingos as they create the illusion of a pink lake. The lake serves as one of the main breeding spot for the beautiful rift valley flamingos and most of these avifaunal species come to nest along the soda flats especially in August, September and October.
Other than flamingos, Lake Natron also prides itself as a home to other numerous bird species including the Gray-hooded gull, crested francolins, white bellied go-away, speckled pigeons, pink backed pelicans, Rupell’s Griffon vultures, cattle egrets, Abyssinian scimitarbill.
Others include Chestnut-bellied sand grouse, Buff-crested bustard, little bee-eater, crowned lapwing, secretary bird, Egyptian goose, bare faced go-away bird, Kori bustard, ostriches, fork-tailed drongo, white-browed coucal, Coqui francolins, Chestnut-banded plovers, Gull-billed tern, helmeted guinea fowl, Nubian woodpecker, slender-tailed nightjar, marabou storks, taita fiscal, tawny eagles, mourning collared doves, Donaldson-smith’s nightjar.
Waterfalls
Lake Natron is a magical place with lots of natural wonders. A visit to this saline lake isn’t complete without exploring its splendid waterfalls. The waterfalls are surrounded by palms that are on the gorge.
Gelai Volcano
Rising up to 2942, the Gelai volcano lies in the south-eastern border of Lake Natron. This volcano lies in the Crater Highlands area and this makes this saline, a hiker’s paradise as well. Gelai volcano experienced eruption about 1 million years back.
Peninj Archaeological site
It is in this archaeological site where Peninj Mandible was unearthed in 1964. Today, it remains a significant site for holidaymakers to explore more about human evolution. Other than the fossilized teeth, additional 120 fossils were also unearthed from this area.
The Peninj archaeological site is 80kms off Olduvai Gorge, one of Tanzania’s incredible paleo-anthropological centers that attracts most archaeologists on Tanzania holiday.
Maasai Community
Lake Natron lies in an area largely occupied by the Maasai Community of Tanzania. The Masai are among the few tribes in East Africa and Africa that have maintained their ancient cultures. They still practice cattle keeping being the renowned herdsmen. They also unique way of dressing mostly dressed in incredible traditional clothes, handmade jewelries and visitors usually get entertained by their amazing cultural dances.
THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LAKE NATRON.
Birding
Birding is one significant reason why most holidaymakers consider Lake Natron a must-visit. In just a single bird watching tour, there is possibility to sight about 100 bird species. If you are interested in sighting for flamingos in Africa, then a visit to Lake Natron is worthy your African safari. Birding trips in Lake Natron can be incorporated with several other experiences and you have ultimate holiday.
Besides thousands of flamingos, you also stand chance to keep an eye on spotted mourning thrush, the red-throated tit, little bee-eaters, ostriches, Chestnut banded plovers, African Gray flycatcher, cattle egrets, Pale white eye, Ashy Cisticola, Egyptian goose, Speckled pigeon, Fork Tailed Drongo, Abyssinian scimitarbill, common bulbul, Gull billed term, Kori bustards, Pink backed pelicans, Abyssinian thrush, , Bare faced go-away bird, red billed fire finch, yellow bishop and Helmeted guinea fowl. Others include slender-tailed nightjar, marabou storks, taita fiscal, tawny eagles, mourning collared doves, Donaldson-smith’s nightjar. To enjoy Lake Natron birding tour, expect to carry a good camera and binoculars.
Hiking/Guided nature walk
Lake Natron is known to offer breathtaking view of its sceneries. You can explore one of the famous walk trails-especially Engero Sero fall walk which takes you about 30 to 45 minutes.
Tourists are led through by the experienced local Maasai guides and you cross to Ngare Sero River and shady gorge. You may also go herding tour, Engaresero cultural experience, waterfall tour or flamingo walk, hot spring safari.
Swimming
Lake Natron is a saline lake and swimming in it may not be possible except around its surrounding areas. This is a better alternative to let you cool yourself after a strenuous volcano hiking or nature walk. The best swimming spot here is at the swimming pool at the semi tunnel below Lake Natron waterfall.
Volcano hiking
If adventure seekers, Lake Natron still has you sorted. A little challenging hiking experiences are best provided in the nearby Ol Donyo Lengai and takes you about 6 to 7 hours. Expect to enjoy the jaw-dropping views of peaks and surrounding areas.
Cultural/community tours
Enjoy the best of African cultural experiences only in Engaresero village that is largely inhabited by the Maasai. You will have the best of Masai cultural heritage, pastoral lifestyle, dances, music performances and a lot more.
Explore the archaeological sites
Lake Natron region offers visitors a chance to also explore and experience most of Tanzania’s historical and archaeological sites. It is in this area where Peninj Mandible-the fossilized jaw of Australopithecus boisei was discovered plus several others each giving insight into human evolution. Or you can visit the Olduvai Gorge.
Camel safaris
If you love camel tours then there no better place to share such lasting memories than in Lake Natron. This experience is provided by many lodges especially Kamakea River Campsite/Lake Natron Tented Camp.
Picnicking
Picnicking is also possible to be done near Lake Natron. The popular picnic sites include Lengai and Rift valley wall. Visitors first have a thrilling hike to Lengai summit in order to enjoy the best of its picnic or view of rift valley.
ENTRY FEES
Lake Natron is one of the wildlife management areas and accessing it means, you should have a valid permit. The lake has 3 access gates;-Longido, Ngare Sero and Engaruka and payment can be made at Engaresero Village. You need US Dollars 35 or book for a permit at wildlife management area in Arusha office at US Dollars 23.60.
WHEN TO VISIT?
The dry months of June, July, August, and September are considerably the best for you to embark on walking experiences or hiking. The wet/rainy months of January, February, March, April, May/November, December are ideal for birding.
A huge profusion of flamingos can easily be spotted around late September to early October.
PLACES TO STAY
There is a place for everyone on Tanzania holiday in Lake Natron to stay before or after engaging in their different activities. The key lodging choices include Ngare Sero Lake Natron Camp, Moivaro Lake Natron Tented Camp, Maasai Giraffe Campsite, Lake Natron Halisi Camp, Maasai Giraffe Eco-Lodge and others. There exist budget, mid-range and luxury hotel or lodging options for everyone on Lake Natron tour to retire for the night.
ACCESS TO LAKE NATRON, TANZANIA.
Lake Natron Tanzania is 112kms North-west of Arusha and the most used route takes you from Mto Wa Mbu – this is a small village found along Arusha-Karatu route just opposite Lake Manyara National Park.
From Karatu, expect to spend 5 to 6 hours and from Mto Wa Mbu, it is 3 to 4 hours’ drive.
