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Lake Natron

Here, beauty lies in its ruggedness. From the colourful lake and flocks of flamingos to a night hike up the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, this is a landscape like no other. Shompole Hill serves as a dramatic backdrop, reflecting in the water to create a truly spectacular view.

The Journey to Lake Natron

Lake Natron lies in Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. No deeper than three metres at any point, the lake’s extreme salinity makes it impossible to wade in without serious consequences. The high salt content also gives the water a surreal red hue, particularly during the dry season when evaporation concentrates the salt. Microorganisms thrive here, absorbing the salt and multiplying rapidly. They float to the surface, and with the red pigment of the salt, form crusty layers tinted pink and red—a deadly yet magical spectacle.

This remote lake is rarely visited and completely off the beaten track. Its isolation is partly due to the challenging journey required to reach it. A poorly maintained dirt road, spanning 120 kilometres of potholes and stunning national park landscapes, connects the nearest town to the lake. Here, you’ll find yourself relying more on the brake pedal than the accelerator.

Millions of Flamingos

On this alien-like planet called Lake Natron, the boundary between life and death is razor-thin. The lake is home to around 2.5 million vibrant pink flamingos. It’s here they continue their circle of life, nesting and raising chicks. The high salt content acts as a natural barrier against predators, making Lake Natron the only breeding ground for flamingos in East Africa. Clever, right?

In December and January, most eggs hatch, and you can see these elegant birds parading along the shores, turning the lake into a sea of pink.

The Mountain of God

Just 25 kilometres from Lake Natron rises Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as the "Mountain of God." This is the world’s only active sodium carbonate volcano, standing 3,450 metres tall. Located on Maasai land, the area remains untouched by modern cultures, preserving the traditional lifestyle of the nomadic Maasai people.

For adventurers, Ol Doinyo Lengai is a challenging yet rewarding climb that can be done overnight. The steep ascent is tough, but the sunrise views from the summit are worth every gasp and drop of sweat. From the top, you’ll see Lake Natron, the Serengeti, Rift Valley, and Ngorongoro Crater stretching out before you—a sight you’ll never forget.

Prefer something less strenuous? Take a leisurely walk around the lake or explore the nearby waterfalls instead.

Where Life Meets Death

Lake Natron gives life but also takes it away. Its glassy surface, reflecting the blue sky, lures unsuspecting birds to their doom. Though enchanting from above, the lake’s water has an acidity level higher than stomach acid and bleach combined. Birds that land on the lake tragically perish, their bodies mummified by the high concentration of natron—a substance even the ancient Egyptians used for their mummies. These petrified birds often wash ashore, frozen in time.

Off the beaten track…

The lake’s surroundings are as extraordinary as the lake itself. Its lunar-like landscape feels like the edge of the world. Rising from the lake’s shores is the climbable Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, which locals call the Mountain of God. Thanks to volcanic activity, the area is lush and fertile, with vibrant greenery, zebras, giraffes, and tropical waterfalls where you can safely shower under nature’s cascades.

You’ll encounter hardly anyone here—it’s quiet and utterly off the beaten track. The journey to Lake Natron is not for the faint-hearted. From the nearest town, a rough dirt road full of potholes stretches for 120 kilometres, making the trip challenging and time-consuming. Many travel agencies skip over this raw gem, but those who make the journey find it an unforgettable adventure.

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