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Lake Natron

Lake Natron is a salt and soda lake in the Arusha Region of northern Tanzania. The lake is close to the Kenyan border and is in the Gregory Rift, which is the eastern branch of the East African Rift. The lake is within the Lake Natron Basin, a Ramsar Site wetland of international significance.

The lake is fed principally by the Southern Ewaso Ng’iro River, which rises in central Kenya, and by mineral-rich hot springs. It is quite shallow, less than three metres (9.8 ft) deep, and varies in width depending on its water level. The lake is a maximum of 57 kilometres (35 mi) long and 22 kilometres (14 mi) wide. The surrounding area receives irregular seasonal rainfall, mainly between December and May totalling 800 millimetres (31 in) per year. Temperatures at the lake are frequently above 40 °C (104 °F).

High levels of evaporation have left behind natron (sodium carbonate decahydrate) and trona (sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate). The alkalinity of the lake can reach a pH of greater than 12. The surrounding bedrock is composed of alkaline, sodium-dominated trachyte lavas that were laid down during the Pleistocene period. The lavas have significant amounts of carbonate but very low calcium and magnesium levels. This has allowed the lake to concentrate into a caustic alkaline brine.

Flora

The color of the lake is characteristic of those where very high evaporation rates occur. As water evaporates during the dry season, salinity levels increase to the point that salt-loving microorganisms begin to thrive. Such halophile organisms include some cyanobacteria that make their own food with photosynthesis as plants do. The red accessory photosynthesizing pigment in the cyanobacteria produces the deep reds of the open water of the lake and the orange colors of the shallow parts of the lake. The alkali salt crust on the surface of the lake is also often colored red or pink by the salt-loving microorganisms that live there.

Salt marshes and freshwater wetlands around the edges of the lake do support a variety of plants.

Fauna

Most animals find the lake’s high temperature (up to 60 °C) and its high and variable salt content inhospitable. Nonetheless, Lake Natron is home to some endemic algae, invertebrates, and birds. In the slightly less salty water around its margins, some fish can also survive.

The lake is the only regular breeding area in East Africa for the 2.5 million lesser flamingoes, whose status of “near threatened” results from their dependence on this one location. When salinity increases, so do cyanobacteria, and the lake can also support more nests. These flamingoes, the single large flock in East Africa, gather along nearby saline lakes to feed on Spirulina (a blue-green algae with red pigments). Lake Natron is a safe breeding location because its caustic environment is a barrier against predators trying to reach their nests on seasonally forming evaporite islands. Greater flamingoes also breed on the mud flats.

The lake has inspired the poetic nature documentary The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos by Disneynature, for its close relationship with the lesser flamingoes as their only regular breeding area.

Two endemic fish species, the alkaline tilapias Alcolapia latilabris and A. ndalalani, also thrive in the waters at the edges of the hot spring inlets. A. alcalica is also present in the lake, but is not endemic.

Sample Itineraries

Day 01: Arusha/Lake Natron  

This day brings you a road trip through northern Tanzania with the destination of Lake Natron.

After breakfast, the drive is about 4 hours and it’s the perfect way to see different sides of Tanzania’s ever-changing landscapes. As you pass the Rift Valley and drive further toward Lake Natron, you will notice the lush green vegetation slowly exchanging for dry, arid, and dusty landscapes. The occasional Maasai villages passed en route become dots in the distant scenery. The further north you reach, the more remains of old volcanoes rise around you. Among them is Ol Doinyo Lengai, . This volcano is one of the few that are still active. When you eventually reach Lake Natron, you might perhaps catch its smoke disappearing in the sky. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel/Camp/Lodge

Day 02: Lake Natron/Arusha    

In the mead night depart for climbing  Ol’Doinyo Lengai  Mountain, You climb this 3,000-meter-high ‘Mountain of God (as it is called by the Maasai) at night. This is the only active carbonatite volcano in the world. With the moonlight, this is a mystical and unforgettable experience. From the mountain, you have an indescribably beautiful view. The walk to the top of Ol’Doinyo Lengai is very intense due to the many loose grains on the mountain. It is important to know that the daily conditions on the mountain are changing. The guide can decide on the spot to cancel the climb to the top, you will descend after the summit, and drive back to Arusha, lunch will be on the way. Arrive in Arusha and Drop off at your Hotel

End of Program

Price includes

  • Park entry fees,
  • Meals and accommodation
  • Game drives by 4WD safari vehicle.
  • English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Boat Safari
  • Bottles of mineral drinking water.
  • All Government Taxes

 

Not included in the price:

  • International Flight
  • Airport transfers
  • Before and After accommodation in Arusha
  • Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
  • Tip for the driver

Day 01: Arusha/Lake Natron   

This day brings you a road trip through northern Tanzania with the destination of Lake Natron. After breakfast, the drive is about 4 hours and it’s the perfect way to see different sides of Tanzania’s ever-changing landscapes. As you pass the Rift Valley and drive further toward Lake Natron, you will notice the lush green vegetation slowly exchanging for dry, arid, and dusty landscapes. The occasional Maasai villages passed en route become dots in the distant scenery. The further north you reach, the more remains of old volcanoes rise around you. Among them is Ol Doinyo Lengai, . This volcano is one of the few that are still active. When you eventually reach Lake Natron, you might perhaps catch its smoke disappearing in the sky. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel/Camp/Lodge

 

Day 02: Lake Natron Full day    

After an early breakfast, we started our activities at Lake Natron, which includes paths to some of the most interesting localities, such as hot springs, Ngare Sero waterfalls, and much more. Located at the base of Africa’s only active volcano Oldonyo Lengai (Mountain of God), Lake Natron is one of the most alkaline lakes in the world. The lake is home to millions of tiny crustaceans, attracting thousands of lesser flamingos, and is, therefore, one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on earth. After lunch and more time to enjoy the activities here, we return to Karatu, arriving in time for dinner and overnight. Dinner and Overnight at Camp/Lodge

 

Day 03: Lake Natron/Arusha

After an early breakfast drive to Arusha via Mto wa Mbu, Lunch at Mto wa Mbu around late afternoon drive to Arusha, and drop off at your hotel or the Airport

 

End of Program

Price includes

  • Park entry fees,
  • Meals and accommodation
  • Game drives by 4WD safari vehicle.
  • English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Boat Safari
  • Bottles of mineral drinking water.
  • All Government Taxes

 

Not included in the price:

  • International Flight
  • Airport transfers
  • Before and After accommodation in Arusha
  • Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
  • Tip for the driver

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