Where is Uganda Located In Africa

Where is Uganda Located in Africa; Map and Facts | Uganda Country Profile

where is Uganda located in Africa? Uganda is located on the East African plateau, averaging about 1100 metres (3,250 ft) above sea level and this slopes very steadily downwards to the Sudanese Plain to the north. However, much of the south is poorly drained while the center is dominated by Lake Kyoga, which is also surrounded by extensive marshy areas. Uganda lies almost completely within the Nile basin. The Victoria Nile drains from the lake into Lake Kyoga and thence into Lake Albert on the Congolese border. It then runs northwards into Sudan.
According to the Map of Uganda, Uganda’s international borders are shared with Sudan in the North, Kenya in the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west and Tanzania and Rwanda in the south. The enormous Lake Victoria is however located in the south of the Country. Uganda is famously known as the “Pearl of Africa.”

The Geography of Uganda

Although generally equatorial, the climate in Uganda is not uniform as the altitude modifies the climate. Southern Uganda is wetter with rain generally spread throughout the year. At Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, most rain falls from March to June and the November/December period. Further to the north a dry season gradually emerges at Gulu about 120 km from the Sudanese border, November to February is much drier than the rest of the year. The northeastern Karamoja region has the driest climate and is prone to droughts in some years. Rwenzori in the southwest on the border with Congo (DRC) receives heavy rain all year round.

The south of the country is heavily influenced by one of the world’s biggest lakes, Lake Victoria, which contains many islands. It prevents temperatures from varying significantly and increases cloudiness and rainfall. Most important cities are located in the south near Lake Victoria and these include the capital Kampala and the nearby city of Entebbe. Although landlocked, Uganda contains many large lakes besides Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga which include Lake Albert, Lake Edward and the smaller Lake George. Uganda’s climate and location makes it ideal for agricultural and Tourism success. The majority of the nation’s exports are coffee while Copper and cobalt are two of the country’s natural resources. Additionally, Uganda contains untapped quantities of natural gas and crude oil.

Quick Facts about Uganda

Country – Uganda
Continent – Africa
Where Is Located – Uganda is a country located in Eastern Africa
Coordinates – 1.0667° N, 31.8833° E
Capital – Kampala
Largest City – Kampala
Neighboring Countries – Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania
Administrative divisions – 111 districts and 1 capital city
Area – 241,038 sq km
Population – 34.51 million (2011)
Official Language – English (Official), Ganda, Arabic
Currency – Ugandan shilling (UGX)
ISO Alpha-2 Code – UG
ISO Alpha-3 Code – UGA
ISO Numeric Code – 800
GDP – $50.439 billion 2012 estimate
Calling code – 256
Time Zone – EAT (UTC+3)
Internet TLD – .ug

Unique Things You can do in Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest  National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is one of the top African safari highlights that involves coming face to face with last remaining Mountain Gorillas in the world. It takes place in Bwindi National park which has a population of over 340 Mountain gorillas of which an estimated 116 are habituated. There are at least 120 mammal species living in the forest and the eleven primate species found here include black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys and baboons. There are also forest elephants and several species of antelopes. Of Bwindi’s 200 butterfly species, 42 are endemic to the Albertine Rift valley. Also an estimated 350 bird species with 23 endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and 14 recorded nowhere else in Uganda justly the most incredible destination to for the best Jungle experience in the World.

Other activities that can be done in Bwindi include bird watching safaris, Butterfly watching, Refreshing nature walks, Culture Batwa (Pigmies) tours, Sightseeing-photography, Hiking adventure trips, Community volunteering programs.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale is one of the best places to Visit in Uganda with tropical rainforest, and a multiplicity of animals. The most famous of its 13 species is the chimpanzee, our closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzees represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. The forest is also home to East Africa’s largest population of the threatened red colobus and the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, bush baby and potto. Also an estimated 500 elephants are present, along with buffalos, leopards, warthogs, bush pigs, golden cats and duikers.

Many keen observers on Nature Walks while in the Park, may be spot by reptiles and amphibians as well as a colorful variety of 250 species of butterflies. Kibale national park also boasts of more than 375 species of birds.

The park boasts of being the best Chimp trekking safaris destination offering best birds-butterfly watching and awesome forest and nature walk experiences, Stunning Wildlife and Nature photography. Having a lot of Cultural rich community groups to explore such as Isunga Culture group, Tooro Kingdom, Explore the Amabeere Nga Nyinamweru caves in Fort portal Town Uganda’s Best Tourism City.

Game Viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth national park along with kyambura brings together the most diverse ecosystem in Africa. Located in western region of Uganda, Thousands of hippos populate these water shores. Open savannah dotted with acacia and euphobia trees provide habitat for Africas Big Fives, leopards , elephants, Tree climbing lions, Uganda Safari kobs, in addition to big herds of buffaloes. The park also harbors primate species, ten in number which include chimpanzees and monkeys. Waterbucks, giant forest hog, topi, hyenas, and Nile crocodiles are among the many animals distinguished frequently spotted in Queen Elizabeth national park by our esteemed clients while on our Uganda Safaris trip.

The park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe, from which salt is extracted by the local communities. Having lots of activities to be participated in such as Amazing Game drives, Bird watching Safaris, Boat cruises on Kazinga channel, Sport fishing, and nature walks, Nature Photography, Chimp tracking in Kyambura gorge, Hot Air Balloon Safaris, Bakonzo Culture tours and so many others.

The Park offers beyond wildlife-flora, to Culture exploration of Uganda culturally enriched tribes just the Best way to have a taste of Africa finest wilderness livelihoods.

Game Viewing and Experience of the World’s Strongest Waterfall at Murchison Falls National park

Murchison falls national park sometimes referred to as Kabalega National Park is the largest park in Uganda and the most visited. It is named after the Murchison falls where the mighty river Nile bangs through a narrow gorge flowing down to be converted into a placid river. In the park you will see hippos, water bucks, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopard, giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many bird species including the rare shoebill. The flora and Fauna at Murchison is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and wood land.

The Murchison Falls National Park offers the finest wildlife experience having countless activities to participate in such as Massive Game drives, bird watching experiences, Amazing boat cruises along the River Nile, wonderful chimp trekking activities in Budongo Forest, Hot Air Balloon safari adventures, Culture adventures, Sport fishing, awesome nature walks and many more can be done with in the Great Murchison Falls National Park.

The park is also known for offering executive amazing Luxury and leisure around its gorgeously built accommodation facilities giving wilderness holidays within the Pearl of Africa.

Game Viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo valley is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks and is referred to as the Serengeti of Uganda. It contains one of the most exciting faunas of any Ugandan national park. This national park is 1,442 square kilometers in the deep Northern Region of Uganda. Kidepo harbors scenery that cannot be found in any other parks in east Africa. It has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species.

Having over thousands of wildlife can be spotted with in this area during the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Kidepo Valley-Narus Valley the park’s prime wildlife location. Going beyond wildlife to offering the best challenging Hiking, cave adventure experience around its 3 mountains in the Park Lomej Hills, Mountain Morungule and Mountain Lonyili reaching the Hot spring of Kanagorok such a marvel.

Walking Safaris in  Lake Mburo National Park

It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks located within western Uganda and underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years. It is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, the only park in Africa were you can spot impala, eland and antelopes grazing together, buffalo, oribis, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck. Together with 13 other lakes in the area, making it one of a birding destinations. Offering experiences such as Walking Safaris, Game drives, Bird watching safaris, hiking adventures on the Mburo Hills and Boat cruise experiences, Nature photography and sightseeing activities.

Having well-built tented Wilderness Camps that offer the tourists the best African wild Night camping experience as they are overlooking the great herds of animals grazing over the Lake Mburo lands and being just a 2 hour’s drive from Kampala the Capital city of Uganda,Lake Mburo National Park is the best option of short time travelers caught up by time and wish to explore the African wilderness Experiences.

Bird Watching at Semuliki National Park

The Semuliki National Park located in the deeper western Regions of Uganda close to the Uganda-Congo boarder is a rich habitat of grassland, savannah, forest and wetland is home to diverse fauna, in addition to 400 bird species such as white chested bill, Dwarf Hornbill Red bill, Pipping Horn bill, Yellow chested Nicator, Great Blue, Ross’s Turaco, the elusive Shoe Bill lots of other sun birds can be spotted with in this spot and 300 butterfly species. It is one of the richest areas of floral and faunal diversity in Africa, with bird species being especially diverse. The park has two hot springs in a hot mineral encrusted swamp. One of the springs-Sempaya hot spring – resembles a geyser by forming a 0.5 m high fountain. These hot springs attract a large number of shorebirds and they are a source of salt for many animals. The park has over 60 mammal species, including forest buffalos, leopards, pygmy hippos, Mona Monkeys, water chevrotains, bush babies, civets, elephants, the Pygmy Flying Squirrel (Idiuus zenkeri) and nine species of Duikers.

The great Semuliki National Park is offers the best Birding Safari experience to the Tourists with all sort activities from Bird watching Safaris, the best Primates trekking with in the Semliki Forest, the Nature walks within the forests and Park areas, Culture Batwa tours, best Camping experience,  Game Drives. Lots of other fun filled activities. To explore through well within this area of the Pearl of Africa while on a Safari trip.

 Shoebill Watching Mabamba Swamps.

The Mabamba Swamps west of Entebbe is one of the best and most convenient places to see the elusive Shoebill. After a few minutes in a small canoe the papyrus reeds opens up into a flat grassy wetlands where a number of Shoebill can regularly be seen. The bird is easiest seen in the morning when they stalk their main prey, the mudfish or frogs, but may be spotted all day. They may stand absolutely still for long periods awaiting the movements of their prey and then suddenly strike with a marvelous speed.

Although one can reach Mabamba by road we highly recommend the boat tour across Lake Victoria because it gives you an opportunity to see many of the birds that you may otherwise miss. Sometimes even the shoebill may elude you in the canoes only to be seen as you approach, or leave, by the bigger boat.

Mountain Climbing at  Mountain Rwenzori National Park

The Mt Rwenzori National park has Africa’s third highest mountain peak and many waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers to explore. The park is known for its beautiful plant life such as perfect Botany sanctuary. The Rwenzori Mountains are higher than the Alps and are ice-capped. Mount Stanley is located in the park. Margherita Peak, one of Mount Stanley’s twin summits, is Africa’s third highest peak with a height of 5,109 m (16,762 ft) Africa’s fourth and fifth highest peaks (Mount Speke and Mount Baker) are also located in the park these being Hikers delights on a Engabi Tours and Travel Uganda Mountaineering Safari. It has a high diversity of plants and trees. The park is noted for its botany, which has been described as some of the most beautiful in the world. There are five distinct vegetation zones in the park, which change according to changes in altitude.

The park has 89 species of birds, 15 species of butterfly, and four primate species. You will find forest elephants, chimpanzee, hyrax, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, duiker, and Ruwenzori Turaco. The park offers breath taking challenging Hiking adventures in the world as most of its areas are greatly hilly perfect for an awesome climb, magnificent botany adventure, wonderful bird-butterfly watching safari, Bicycle-nature walks, Game drives and lots of great cultural adventure of the Bakonzo cultures. Such a spectacular experience while on Engabi tours and Travel Uganda Safaris Trip.

Mt Elgon National Park Hiking

Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50 km by 80 km) The Park is named after Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya. The botanical diversity of the park includes giant podocarpus, juniper and Elgon olive trees cedar Juniperus procera, pillarwood Cassipourea malosana, elder Sambucus adnata, pure stands of Podocarpus gracilior and many orchids. 400 species have been recorded.

The park is also home to a variety of small antelope and forest monkeys, including the Black-and-white Colobus and Blue Monkey. Over 300 birds can also be found in the area, Elephants and buffalo, other scenery like cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, mesas, calderas, hot springs, and the mountain peaks. The most popular areas are the four explorable, vast caves where frequent night visitors such as elephants and buffaloes come to lick the natural salt found on the cave walls. Kitum cave, with overhanging crystalline walls, enters 200 m into the side of Mt. Elgon.

The Park boosts of countless fun filled activities that have been participated in by lots of our clients such as Game drives, Nature walks, and Bicycling trips alongside Breathe talking wildlife Photography, lots of magnificent Botany gardens, camping trips and Challenging Mountaineering experiences, Cave exploration adventures. Tourist’s great adore the experience to Mt Elgon while on Uganda Safaris trip.

With all the above activities, be assured that you can never be bored in Uganda as the country has enough activities to fill weeks, months and years and combined with the good weather and safe environment, it’s no wonder more and more people are visiting the country.

CONTACT US for information, inspiration or Price Quotation for a Uganda Safari tour and extensional tours to Rwanda and Tanzania

Tour Packages in Uganda that you may book for your African Safari Tour

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour in Bwindi

The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour In Uganda Package is an itinerary that starts from Kigali-Rwanda allowing you to fly in and out of Kigali International Airport-Rwanda and enjoy Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On this private 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour In Uganda, you will arrive at Kigali International Airport and embark on a road drive of only 4-5 hours from Kigali to Ruhija/Rushaga sectors of Bwindi via the Katuna/ Chanika border points helping you to avoid the 10 road drive hours from Entebbe to Bwindi.

5 Day Uganda Safari

The private  5 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife safari is a Primates and Wildlife viewing expedition to Queen Elizabeth national park and  Bwindi impenetrable National Park.  This Gorillas and Wildlife safari in Uganda  itinerary maximizes your wildlife experience with Gorilla Viewing, Game drive, boat cruises and walks. It can be tailor made to start in Kigali as well.

6 Days Uganda Safari Tour

Our 6 Days Uganda Tour is a short itinerary to see Gorillas, Chimps and the Big 5 animals in Uganda. The 6 Days Uganda tour tours gives tourists an opportunity to explore the best of Uganda Safari with in a short stay in the country

8 Days Uganda Safari

This 8 Days Uganda safari tour is a gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking and wildlife viewing experience that features exploring the wildlife, beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions of Uganda in East Africa.

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour

On this 12 days Uganda Safari Holiday, you will  explore Uganda’s major National  parks including Bwindi impenetrable forest national park- home to half of world’s mountain gorillas, Mgahinga National Park, Queen Elizabeth national park, kibale forest national park, Murchison falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

13 Days Uganda Wilderness Safari vacation 

Watch Gorillas, Chimpanzees and wildlife in Uganda’s major National Parks on this 13 days best of Uganda Wilderness Safari vacation to Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for memorable gorilla tracking; Lake Bunyonyi for relaxing and to Lake Mburo for walking safari.

Contact Us to start planning your Uganda Safari tour with us! you can create an itinerary from scratch, or modify one of our suggested itineraries. Whether your trip is a few days’ or a few weeks’ long, our local travel experts will craft a unique itinerary, fully tailored to your wishes.

Gorilla Sex

Gorilla Sex | How Do Gorillas Have Sex?

Many wildlife enthusiasts wonder how gorillas have sex and if Gorillas have sex for fun. Well, Gorilla Sex Can be done all year round with the dominant male silverback having sex with all the females while they are ovulating. The process of Gorilla sex is normally initiated by the female when it is sexually active however there are instances when the dominant silverback male also initiates this process. He does so by advancing towards the female and then he touches her or makes a display with a sound. When the female doesn’t respond positively, he may not take that rejection well and instead charge while slapping the female as he forces her to accept.

Gorilla Sex is done while both gorillas are on the ground with the female (which is normally smaller than the dominant silverback) appearing to kneel on the ground while the male is on top throughout the copulation. However, a number of gorilla subspecies like the mountain gorillas and the lowland gorillas have on several occasions been observed mating while the male and female are facing each other a technique once believed to be unique among the human species and the bonobos (also known as the pygmy chimpanzee).

How to know that a female gorilla is ready to Sex?

Unlike their counterparts the chimpanzees, when it comes to female gorillas there is no physical body change to show that it is ready to have sex. Normally, once the female is ready, it initiates the process of having sex by gently approaching the male through pressing her lips together and making prolonged eye contact with him. During instances when the male does not respond to her advances, she then goes ahead to slap the ground as she moves towards the male as a way of attracting his attention. It should be noted that there are some moments when the male doesn’t respond positively to her or is too busy to attend to her and then she is compelled to mate with less subordinate males within her gorilla group. According to a study conducted in 1982, it was revealed that because of the aggression that a silverback exhibited towards a specific female, that female was compelled to initiate the mating process even when not in estrus.

Do Gorillas have sex for fun or to only Reproduce?

Generally speaking, besides reproduction it is very unusual for Gorillas to have sex for leisure or for competition among themselves. However, the females normally have sex to win favor before the dominant silverback as well as to prevent him from having sex with other female gorillas in the group. In fact instances of expectant female gorillas engaging in sex with the dominant silverback have been recorded and it’s alleged that they do so to prohibit the male from impregnating other adult females that are ready to have sex.

Amusingly in all subspecies of gorillas, the silverbacks prefer having sex with the adult experienced females while the interest and focus a dominant silverback gives to an ovulating female provokes competition among other female gorillas within that group. On the other hand, the male silverbacks within the western gorilla species have been observed to have sex with females whether they are ovulating or not although the rest will have sex only with the sexually ready females.

Gorillas Reproduction / Giving Birth and Parenthood

Once the process of Gorillas having sex is successful and the female conceives, she will experience an 8.5 month gestation period and only give birth again after approximately four (4) years. During the pregnancy, she will have a slight increase in breast size and also develop a bump on her tummy that is not very pronounced. They normally give birth in the morning hours and this is preceded by her appearing uneasy with continuous babies and only stretching and loss of appetite.

Throughout her life, a female gorilla may give birth to only 6 to 8 babies but just a few of these will be able to survive to maturity as caretaking is totally done by the females. The Silverback male on the other hand has a major role of making sure that the babies are accepted within the gorilla group and not bullied by other group members and for that reason for the first 5 months of the mother lives close to him for protection.

Breastfeeding and Weaning among Gorillas

For the first four (4) months, the infant is carried around by the mother in her hands as he/she suckles directly every three (3) hours on the mother’s breasts. By the fifth (5) month, the infants have begun gaining confidence among the group members so they ride on the mother’s back and occasionally lay on the ground close by to their mothers. By 12 months (one year), the baby gorilla has attained enough confidence to move as far as five (5) meters away from the mother during brief intervals.

By the second birth – date, he/she can spend some time away from the mother while further away but still return to the mother. Weaning among the gorillas normally takes place when the baby is about 2.5 years (30 months) old. Nonetheless, the baby gorilla will continue to breastfeed (nurse) until they are about four (4) years old, however, when they stop doing so, they begin making their own nests and live independent of the mother, while the mother starts all over again to ovulate.

Mortality in Infant Gorillas

Although the gorilla species is generally considered to be endangered internationally, its sad to say that the mortality rate among the infant gorillas is high with nearly half of them not making it to adulthood.

Causes of High Mortality Rate in Gorillas

• There are a number of reasons for this high mortality ass highlighted below.
• Since the baby gorillas greatly depend on the mothers for a long time, any change in group leadership especially takeover by a new silverback will lead to the death of all nursing infants. the new silverback normally does this to create opportunities of successful mating with the females in that group.
• Trauma is believed to lead to 56% of all infant mortality
• Respiratory Infections; these are alleged to lead to the death of nearly 15% infants
• Different illnesses especially among the mountain gorillas are said to be another major contributor to infant mortality such as hepatic Capillariasis, gastrointestinal parasitism and lymphoid disease.

To see Gorillas in their natural habitat, we have suggested a few packages below that we think might interest to kick gorilla trekking off your bucket list.

Recommended Gorilla Trekking Tours to Inspire You.

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour
4 Days Double Gorilla Tour
5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees Tour
8 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
12 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
12 Days Uganda Tanzania Safari

Contact Us to start planning your Gorilla tour with us! you can create an itinerary from scratch, or modify one of our suggested itineraries. Whether your trip is a few days’ or a few weeks’ long, our local travel experts will craft a unique itinerary, fully tailored to your wishes. You May also reach us on WhatsApp on +256-757-341-593

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.

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.