Lake Natron
Tanzania
Lake Natron is a shallow soda lake in the northern Rift Valley, overlooked by the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai. It is a remote and dramatic landscape and an important breeding area for lesser flamingos.
- Location
- Arusha Region, near the Kenya border
- Best time
- Jun to Oct
- Known for
- Flamingos and the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano
Wildlife & Animals
The area is quiet and wild. Wildlife such as zebra, wildebeest and gazelle live on the plains around the lake, and the Maasai people graze their cattle nearby.
Birds
Lake Natron is best known as the main breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa. The lake's high alkalinity gives it red and orange colours in places.
Best Time To Visit
The dry months from June to October are the most comfortable for visiting and walking. The area is hot, so activities usually start early in the morning.
Getting There
Natron is far from the main roads, so the journey takes most of a day by 4x4 from Arusha or from the Serengeti side. It suits travellers who want a quiet extension to a Northern Circuit safari.
Plan your Lake Natron safari
Tell us what you have in mind and we will plan the rest.