5 Amazing things to do at Lake Natron
5 Amazing things to do at Lake Natron : At the base of the volcanic volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain in Ngorongoro conservational Area northern Tanzania is where the Lake Natron can be found. The lake natron is surrounded by many communities but notable few Maasai communities. It goes north-south along the Great Rift Valley’s Eastern Rift portion at a height of 2000 feet above sea level.
Even during the typically scorching summers, Lake Natron has never dried up despite having shallow waters. Natural springs that surround the lake provide valuable water to numerous bird species and other wildlife.
Lake Natron’s shallow waters evaporate, leaving behind water that has an extremely high sodium carbonate concentration (soda). Algae and zooplankton flourish in this extremely alkaline environment.
Almost 2.5 million lesser flamingos breed in Lake Natron, which is the optimum breeding ground for them due to its extreme isolation and mineral-rich water (which is the optimal setting for an abundance of microorganisms as a food source).
The delicate ecosystem of the lake will be readily apparent to visitors. More than 300 different bird species, including the great white pelican, may be found at Lake Natron, which also serves as the only breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa.
The secluded Lake Natron in Tanzania is a must-visit location because of its exceptional biodiversity and beautiful splendor. And if you’re unsure how to enjoy this location to the fullest, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for thrilling activities around Lake Natron and nearby.
LAKE NATRON ACTIVITIES: TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN LAKE NATRON
- Climb The Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain.
The only active volcano in Tanzania is called Ol Doinyo Lengai (the Maasai’s Mountain of God), and it is located at a height of 10,459 feet. A well-liked trekking peak, the summit offers breathtaking views of the Tanzanian lowlands that extend all the way to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Any fit hiker may reach the summit in 4 to 5 hours with an early start and the right tools. Don’t forget to bring your trekking poles, appropriate clothing, a jacket, and a quality camera to capture the scene.
- Birdwatching
If you enjoy observing birds, you’ve hit the jackpot. A more ideal location could not exist to view one of the largest concentrations of vibrant lesser flamingos in their natural environment.
You can get up close to these pink-feathered companions for observation or to take photos when you visit the lake. Also, as was already said, tourists can enjoy seeing several species of ostriches, storks, and even the bateleur, an eagle-related bird, thanks to the region’s more than 300 bird species.
- Day Trek on the Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley is an amazing geological and geographical formation that spans all of eastern Africa, from Ethiopia to Mozambique. It is also known as the East African Rift and is made up of several connected trenches that were created when the African tectonic plate split into two different plates. The rift valley wall offers breathtaking vistas of broken valley walls that spread as far as the eye can see to hikers who make the short diversion from Lake Natron and climb it, 5 Amazing things to do at Lake Natron
The climb lasts about 6 hours, so we advise you to set out early in the day. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top of the ridge, and get ready for a spectacular view. There is a beautiful waterfall you may hike up to while walking alongside the river at the end of this deep gorge in the Rift Valley. The waterfall is a part of a lovely, little oasis that is a perennial favorite for hikers who want to swim and take in the unusual volcanic rocks and lush palm trees around.
- Maasai Cultural Visit
Several Maasai tribal towns can be seen as your Tanzania safari tour around Lake Natron. Travelers can interact with and learn about the Maasai people and their way of life as part of the Tanzania safari experience. You are welcome to go to their communities and take part in local activities. Also, there will be opportunities for you to shop and purchase souvenirs like genuine, handcrafted jewelry made from beads and other knickknacks.
- Footprints of man
We hope you take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the guided stroll around Lake Natron. Here, you may examine some of the earliest humans’ best-preserved footprints for yourself (hominids). These prehistoric fossil records, which range in age from 5,000 to 12,000 years, provide fascinating evidence of how early humans developed. Even a more recent study raises the possibility that some of these traces may be 120,000 years old.
FAQs ABOUT LAKE NATRON
Is Lake Natron dangerous for swimming?
The majority of creatures, including people, can be at risk from Lake Natron’s highly alkaline waters. The lake appears to be warning us not to consume the water because of its dark, reddish tint. Moreover, there are periodically some animal remains scattered about the lake. As long as you don’t drink or submerge yourself in the water, you are safe, 5 Amazing things to do at Lake Natron
When should I visit Lake Natron?
While the weather is relatively cooler, from June to October is the best time to explore Lake Natron. During December and February, the temperature might rise significantly. Typically, flamingos lay their eggs in September, and the young hatch in December. You may have the opportunity to see groups of cute little flamingo chicks learning how to eat if the timing is appropriate.
