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01 Nov 2024
Lake Natron: Tanzania’s Natural Deadly Wonder That Loved Flamingos

Lake Natron

Lake Natron: Tanzania’s Natural Wonder That Is Deadly to Most Life but Loved By the Flamingos

Found in a dry Northern part of Tanzania, Lake Natron is a hypersaline and highly alkaline lake located in the eastern section of the volatile East African Rift. The shallow but wide alkaline lake is just three meters deep but 22km wide and it’s fed by the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River in Kenya. A small portion of the lake; its northern tip lies over the border in southern Kenya. Lake Natron is like no other lake you have ever seen or imagined because the Lake sometimes turns red. Lake Natron is poisonous to most animals due to the high alkaline levels the reason why a lot of animals and bird corpses are found in and around the lake.

The extreme sodium bicarbonate content preserves animals perfectly through calcification leaving behind statue like figures that wash up on the shore the major reason Lake Natron is referred to as Tanzania’s beautiful but deadly red lake. Lake Natron featured in the opening episode of ‘A Perfect Planet’, a BBC series which was narrated by David Attenborough. Matt Aeberhard a camera operator during the filming of the episode explained that ‘the pH level of Lake Natron is not far short of household bleach’. Aeberhard also noted that ‘until recently, more people had landed on the moon than had actually stood out in Lake Natron’.

How to get to Lake Natron?

You can get to Lake Natron by road; From Arusha City, it will take approximately three hours to reach Lake Natron. You may also visit Lake Natron on your way back from Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

Please Note that the road journey from the Serengeti is long, so you should break up the journey by spending a night at Kleins Gate an exit point on the edge of Serengeti National Park and then the following morning you can complete an 8-hour drive to Engaresero. Your accommodation in Engaresero will be your base for your adventures at Lake Natron.

Activities to do at Lake Natron

Birdwatching: Naturally, Lake Natron is a hotspot for birdwatchers. The Lake is the only regular breeding area in East Africa for 2.5 million lesser flamingos. Their dependence on the location led the International Union for Conservation of Nature to give the flamingos a status of ‘near threatened’.

Hiking: For adventurers who like to challenge themselves, you can climb Ol Doinyo Lengai with the help of an experienced guide. Ol Doinyo Lengai means ‘Mountain of God’ in the Maasai language. The climb is very steep and we recommend that you have experience in mountaineering. The climb is usually completed during the night to avoid the scorching temperatures of the daytime. Climbing at night also allows you to watch the spectacular sunrise from the summit.

Other activities

  • Visit to the stunning waterfalls around the lake
  • Visit to the Maasai villages and their ‘boma’ (homesteads).

Wildlife at Lake Natron

Although the lake is deadly to most animals, a unique ecosystem has developed in this harsh environment creating fascinating opportunities for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Salt marshes and freshwater wetlands have formed, creating a habitat for the long-legged waterfowl. The lake also contains two endemic fish species: Alcolapia latilabris and Alcolapia ndalalani. You can also find Alcolapia alcalica at Lake Natron but the species is not endemic.

Lesser flamingos are Lake Natron’s most famous attraction. 75% of the world’s population of lesser flamingos were born at this lake. They amass at the lake between August and October to lay their eggs and the eggs hatch during the wet season in November.

Lake Natron: Tanzania’s Natural Deadly Wonder That Loved Flamingos
Lesser Flamingos at Lake Natron-Tanzania

When is the best time to visit Lake Natron?

The best time to visit Lake Natron is during the dry season from late May to early November since these months are slightly cooler. The area is too hot during the short dry season from December to February.

Best Time to see Flamingos: In August, the flamingos start to gather at the lake and continue to amass until October. Visiting during these months gives you a chance of seeing this spectacular gathering. During the dry season, there is a higher level of evaporation and this increases the salinity of the lake. The increase in the salinity of the lake causes cyanobacteria to multiply at a faster rate and this gives the lake a richer shade of pink. The cyanobacteria provide food for the flamingos.

Best Time for Hiking: The dry season also provides better conditions for hikes in the surrounding area since paths can be treacherous during the wet season.

Where to stay at Lake Natron?

Other than the exciting opportunity to stay at a Maasai Boma, there are limited accommodation options around Lake Natron. Two options include the Lake Natron Camp and the Africa Safari Lake Natron:

The Lake Natron Camp– a basic but comfortable option. The tents are spacious, and they have their own porch area where you can watch the sunset. As there are only 10 tents, you are guaranteed a quiet and secluded stay. They also have a natural swimming pool where you can cool off at the end of the day.

The Africa Safari Lake Natron- a luxury lodge which is located on the border of the national park. It offers a variety of comfortable rooms at varying prices and it has its own pool and a bar area where you can enjoy your favourite evening tipple.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Lake Natron

Is it safe to swim in Lake Natron for humans?

No, humans cannot swim in Lake Natron as the high salt content would sting and burn on the skin and the water is extremely hot.

Why Does Lake Natron Have Extreme Alkaline Levels?

During the Pleistocene period, a rare type of lava rich in sodium and potassium carbonates ran down the slopes of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano and into the lake and since the Lake Natron had no outflow and received irregular rainfall, it endured thousands of years of intense evaporation from the heat. This concentrated the trona (sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate) and natron (hydrated sodium carbonate) in the leftover water hence creating a highly toxic brine. Lake Natron’s average alkalinity is 10.5, its pH surpasses 12 and its water temperature ranges from 40˚ to 60˚C.

Do animals really calcify in the water?

The lake can be deadly for animals that land within the lake. Scientists assume that birds are confused by the reflecting nature of the lake and fly right into it. Even pilots have fallen prey to this illusion. The high salt content causes the dead animals to dry out and be preserved perfectly. However, Nick Brandt’s famous pictures of eerie animals calcified perched on top of twigs and branches are misleading as these are posed. He collected particularly well calcified animals from the shores of the Lake and photographed them as if they were alive in their natural habitats. Animals do not just calcify in the mere proximity of the lake, but need to be directly exposed to the water.

How can flamingos survive in Lake Natron?

Flamingos flourish in this water as there are no natural predators thus making the breeding process less stressful. They actually feed on cyanobacteria known as spirulina within the lake which gives the lake its pinkish colour. Spirulina thrive in alkaline water like that of Lake Natron. The combination of no predators and feeding source constitutes the perfect environment for flamingos to prosper which is why up to 3 million Lesser Flamingos flock there every year.

Why is Lake Natron deadly?

The water of Lake Natron is very deadly due to the presence of cyanobacteria. This is an algae that releases a chemical which in turn damages the cells, nervous system and livers of most of the organisms that have consumed it. Many of the birds and animals that drink from Lake Natron wind up dead as a result. The animals, birds and bats that die in the water are calcified and turn into mummified versions of themselves and the talented artist Nick Brandt has taken many of these petrified animals and placed them in lifelike poses before snapping their photo.

Why is the Lake Natron pinkish-red in color?

The lake is a mesmerizing pinkish-red especially during the dry season due to the microorganisms like spirulina that live within it and act as a feeding source for flamingos.

How expensive is Lake Natron?

Accommodation at Lake Natron is a lot more affordable than other parks in the area. Yet, it is a national park and thus Tanzanian park and conservation fees apply, costing around US$ 35 plus some additional fees that constantly change. We will take care of these entirely and include them within your booking.

Summary of Facts about Lake Natron:

Here are some facts you’ll want to share with others for the wow factor!

Phantom rain

Lake Natron receives only 400 mm of rain a year, and much of that is ‘phantom rain’ – rain that evaporates before hitting the surface. This is because the lake is in a desert.

The lake’s water is poisonous

Lake Natron contains large salt, soda and magnesite deposits. This is a good environment for the growth of a kind of bacteria that damages the innards of the organisms that drink it.

A volcano-fed lake

The lake has no outlets, and receives most of its water from springs and episodic streams. Because the water coming into the lake leaches through the volcanic material of nearby Mt Ol Doinyo Lengai, the lake’s water is highly alkaline.

The water sometimes turns red

The water of Lake Natron sometimes turns red (or orange-red) because of the algae that thrives in its hypersaline environment. This red tinge to the water can even be seen from space!

The lake is really hot

The lake’s temperature can rise to 60 °C (140 °F) in summer! There are also hot springs on its eastern shore.

Flamingos thrive where others perish

Flamingos aren’t negatively affected by the bacteria in Lake Natron that harms most other birds. The lake is actually the largest breeding ground in the world for lesser flamingos!

Popular Trips to Tanzania

The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.

3 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari

4 Days Serengeti Safari 

7 Days Tanzania Safari

8 Days Tanzania Safari

12 Days Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking Safari 

13 Days Serengeti Masai Mara and Gorilla Trekking Safari

13 Days Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari

CONTACT US for information or Quotation for a Tanzania Safari Tour combined with a safari in Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya.

31 Mar 2020

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda entrance fees

Volcanoes national park and  Rwanda parks entrance fees.

Volcanoes national park Rwanda entrance fees and other Parks entrance fees are set by Rwanda development board as communicated in the Rwanda Tourist Products Booking Guidelines and are charged according to the origin of the tourists(foreign residents,non-foreign residents and Rwandans/East African citizens), and the type of activities a tourist is to take part in.

Below is a Summary of the  are the different  Rwanda parks entrance fees and entry fees to Volcanoes national park Rwanda  for different activities.

Volcanoes National Park Mountain Gorilla trekking fees:

The Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit costs 1500 USD per person and the permit is inclusive of the park entrance fees which allow you to trek the gorillas in their natural habitat. The Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit is issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and is valid for only one day. The total number of trekkers for each gorilla family is 8 persons and therefore permits are sold out quickly due to high demand for them the reason why Engabi Tours and Travel advises their clients and other travelers interested in Rwanda Mountain Gorilla trekking to book gorilla trekking permits 3-6 Months before the trekking date to avoid inconveniences .

Hiking of Mountain Bisoke

Mountain Bisoke hiking costs 75 USD for Foreigners, 60 USD for Foreign resident, 55 USD for Rwandan and East African citizens then 65 USD for the East African Community Residents to hike the top of the volcanoes.

Hiking of Mountain Karisimbi

Mountain Karisimbi hiking costs 400$ for foreigners, 250 USD for foreign residents, 200$ for Rwandan/ EAC citizens and 300 USD for EAC foreign citizens. Mt karisimbi is one of the highest among the 8 Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda standing at 4,507 meters above sea level and it offers tourists great views of Rwanda, Congo and the local communities along the boundaries of volcanoes national park.

Hiking of Mountain Gahinga

Hiking of Mountain Gahinga costs 75 USD for foreigners,60 USD for  foreign residents,55 USD for Rwanda/ east African citizens and  65$ for east African foreign residents.

Multiple volcanoes hike of Mountains Gahinga,Bisoke and Muhabura.

To hike the above Mountains, the total cost for the hiking permit is 1500 USD.

Hiking of the Dian Fossey grave

Famous for her contribution in studying the life of the gorillas and taking part in protecting them during the poaching activities that almost led to their extinction, Dian Fossey passed on and is always remembered in Rwanda especially through her grave where tourists visit to learn more about her amazing life. To hike the Dian fossey gravesite, it costs 75$ for foreigners, 60$ for foreign residents, 55 USD for Rwandans and East African Citizens and 65$ for East African Community foreign residents.

Golden monkey tracking.

According to Rwanda Development Board, the Rwanda Golden Monkey tracking permit costs 100 USD for foreigners, 65 USD for foreign residents, 65 USD for Rwandan/ EAC citizens and 80USD for the East African Community foreign citizens. Golden monkey tracking is considered as an additional activity to the gorilla trekking experience. Apart from Volcanoes National park golden monkey tracking also takes place in Mgahinga national park in Uganda.

Guided nature walks

Guided nature walks cost 55 USD for foreigners, 40 USD for foreign residents, 35 USD for Rwandan/ East African citizens and 45 USD for East Africa Community  foreign residents.

Camping fees

All camping activities around the park cost 30 USD for foreigners and foreign residents, 10 USD for Rwandan/ East African Community citizens and 20 USD for the East African Community foreign residents.

Buhanga Eco Park

Visiting Buhanga Eco park costs 40 USD  for foreigners, 30 USD for foreign residents, 25 USD for Rwanda/ East African Community residents and 35 USD for the east African foreign residents.

 Hiking of Mountain Muhabura.

Mountain Muhabura hiking permit costs 100 USD for foreigners, 75 USD for foreign residents, 60 USD for Rwanda/East African Community citizens 80 USD for East African citizens.

Akagera national park entrance fees: 30 USD

Nyungwe forest national park Chimpanzee trekking Permit: 90 USD for Nonresident tourists, 60 USD for resident tourists.

Nyungwe forest national park Canopy walk fees: 60 USD

Below are some Rwanda safaris you can book with us;

7 Days Rwanda safari

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari

8 Days Rwanda Tanzania Safari

21 Aug 2019

Transport Means to the Mountain Gorillas

Public Transport means to the Bwindi gorillas ,how to Get there & How to reach the Gorillas

Public Transport means to the Bwindi gorillas is something that bothers any tourist planning to go for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. The good news is that Uganda National Roads Authority has of recent put much energy in improving the conditions of tourism roads inclusive of the main roads leading to different Gorilla tracking points in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and as a result today the roads leading to the mountain Gorillas are generally in better condition compared to the past years though a little bit slow and bumpy hence we recommend 4*4-wheel drive car especially in rainy seasons.

It will take you approximately 8hrs to drive by road from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National park. This road trip will take you through the magnificent savannah and the terraced areas of Kabale not forgetting the Equator where you can take some memorable pictures

Departing from Kigali the Capital of Rwanda is another shortest gate way to the Uganda mountain gorillas on road therefore another option that should be considered. It will take you approximately 5 hours to drive from Kigali city to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This will help you to take less time compared to driving from Kampala.

Alternatively you can fly from Entebbe to Bwindi National Park at a cost of $450 for a round trip. The journey takes you approximately 1/2hrs. Additionally you will take another 30Mins- 1hr to transfer from the arrival airstrips mainly Kisoro and Kihihi to the trekking points depending on which sector you are trekking.

Engabi Tours and Travel will help you book your transportation means to ensure you have a “Hakuna Matata” Gorilla Safari

Book with us the following Gorilla safaris;

12 Days Uganda safari

3 Days Gorilla safari

6 Days private Uganda safari

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