Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai

About This Destination

Lake Natron is one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Tanzania, a shallow alkaline lake whose mineral-rich waters turn a deep red under the sun, set beneath the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, whose name in the Maasai language means "Mountain of God." The lake's caustic chemistry, inhospitable to most life, makes it the single most important breeding site for lesser flamingo in East Africa.

Wildlife & Highlights

Up to two and a half million lesser flamingo gather at Lake Natron to breed, drawn by the very conditions that keep predators away, and the sight of the flock against the lake's red water is one of the more unusual images in African wildlife travel. For more active visitors, Ol Doinyo Lengai can be climbed on a demanding overnight ascent, typically starting at midnight to reach the crater rim for sunrise, while nearby waterfalls in the Engare Sero gorge offer a cooler, more accessible half-day excursion.

- East Africa's most important lesser flamingo breeding ground

- Ol Doinyo Lengai, one of the world's few active carbonatite volcanoes

- Engare Sero waterfalls and gorge walks

- A remote, rarely visited corner of the northern circuit

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, June to October, offers the easiest road access, though flamingo numbers and breeding activity are best from roughly November to April when the lake holds more water.

Getting There

Lake Natron is a rugged three to four hour drive from Karatu or the Ngorongoro area over rough roads, best suited to travelers with an extra day to dedicate to this off-the-beaten-path region.

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