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DISCOVER LAKE NATRON
Discover a spectacular shallow, highly alkaline soda lake in northern Tanzania, in the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. One of the most important lake for lesser flamingos breeding areas in East Africa.
LAKE NATRON!
THE BEST OF LAKE NATRON
LAKE NATRON
Spectacular alkaline soda lake and wetland in northern Tanzania, situated along the Tanzania to Kenya border in the Arusha Region, within the Ngorongoro and Monduli districts. It lies in the Gregory Rift of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by dramatic volcanic and mountainous landscapes. The lake itself stretches approximately 58 km from north to south and has an average width of about 15 km.
Although it is very shallow with a maximum depth of roughly 0.5–2 metres its surface can expand considerably during the rainy season, reaching up to approximately 850 km² (85,000 hectares). The wider Lake Natron Basin covers about 930 km², while its entire water catchment extends to approximately 17,000 km², incorporating drainage from surrounding mountains and highlands in Tanzania and Kenya.
WILDLIFE FOUND IN LAKE NATRON
Lake Natron the best critical and regular breeding site for the East African population of lesser flamingos. The lake’s shallow alkaline waters provide suitable conditions and food for these birds while its remote location offers protection from many predators.
Wildlife commonly encountered includes:
- Zebras
- Giraffes
- Gazelles
- Buffaloes
Lake Water Source
Despite its highly alkaline waters, Lake Natron is sustained by a network of rivers, seasonal streams, freshwater springs and runoff from the surrounding highlands. The Ewaso Ng’iro River provides the lake’s main year-round inflow, while seasonal waterways carry additional water from the surrounding mountains and elevated areas.
BIRDLIFE
Lake Natron an excellent destination for birdwatching, with a remarkable diversity of bird species.
Visitors may encounter:
- Eagles
- Storks
- Waders
- Migratory
- Lesser flamingos
- Herons and egrets
The lake also supports the alkaline-adapted fish Oreochromis alcalicus, which is associated with Lake Natron and Kenya’s Lake Magadi.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE NATRON
The park can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on what you want to experience. For travelers whose priority is wildlife viewing and large elephant herds, the dry season from June to October is generally the most rewarding period.
Best time according to Moth’s
June & October
Generally an excellent period because of the relatively dry conditions, making outdoor activities such as hiking, walking and photography more comfortable.
November – February
- Best for green landscapes, birdlife and a quieter atmosphere
March – May (April – rain season)
- Best for travelers seeking a quieter and greener friendly safari
For flamingo and bird experiences, conditions can vary according to water levels, food availability and breeding activity. Lake Natron’s water level changes significantly between the dry season and the rainy season.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES WITHIN LAKE NATRON
- Maasai Village visit
- Flamingo watching
- Guided nature walk
- Ol Doinyo Lengai climbing
- Waterfall and gorge excursions
DRIVE TIME TO LAKE NATRON
- Arusha to Lake Natron: 5 hours
- Mto wa Mbu to Lake Natron: 3 hours
- Lake Natron to Serengeti National Park: 5 hours
- Lake Natron to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 5 hours
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