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Lake Natron
Overview
Facts
Things to do
Best time
Where to stay
Accessbility
Overview
Lake Natron is a mineral-rich soda lake in Arusha, northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya. It is a dead-end lake, which implies that there is no river or sea that the lake empties into. The main feeder of the lake is Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River that originates in Central Kenya It is located beneath the towering active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai in the Rift Valley. From the lake, trails lead to the waterfalls at Engare Sero, which cascade over rocky cliffs and into a natural pool.
The lake is shallow with a maximum depth of 3meter/ 9.8feets and it is also fed by hot springs. It runs 57km in length and 22km in width but the width varies sometimes depending on water levels. The lake’s temperature typically ranges from 40 to 60 degrees Celsius, or 104 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Famous for
The Lake is a perfect breeding site for Flamingos each year between September and April. Cyanobacteria are increasing with the salinity of the water, and the lake can carry more nests.
Interesting facts about Lake Natron
- The lake water evaporates significantly more during the summer, which increases the salinity of the lake.
- The lake also supports a few other life forms like endemic birds, invertebrates and algae.
- The birds choose Lake Natron as their breeding ground because it is a harsh and hostile environment which deters predators. The evaporite islands that periodically form are where these birds choose to lay their eggs.
Things to see at lake Natron
- Oldonyo lengai
- Birds eg: flamingos
- Lake Natron’s Natural Pools eg: plunge pool
- Ngare Sero Water Falls
- Hominid Footprints at Lake Natron
- Rift valley
Things to do at lake Natron
- Hike Oldonyo Lengai
- Bird watching
- Maasai cultural experience
- Nature walks to the Olduvai Gorge.
- The Rift Valley trekking (Empakai to Lake Natron)
Best time to visit Lake Natron
The best time to visit Lake Natron are: the coolest ones from June to August.
Dry season 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 colours.
Where to stay at Lake Natron
- Moivaro Lake Natron Tented Camp
- Ngare Sero Lake Natron Camp.
