Lake Natron, known for the famous mountain of god, Ol Doinyo Lengai, an authentic Maasai village and the beautiful lake itself! A very beautiful landscape that differs from all other parks with a lot of things to do! Lets get out of the car and enjoy the activities around Lake Natron!Arusha National Park is known for the black-and-white colobus monkeys, Mount Meru, swamps, lakes, waterfalls and craters! A beautiful park with a wide diversity of landscapes and wildlife.
Lake Natron is a striking and unique destination known for its dramatic landscapes and specialized wildlife. Visitors can encounter animals such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest roaming the surrounding plains, while buffaloes and smaller mammals can also be seen in the area. Although large predators like lions and cheetahs are less commonly observed, the region still supports a range of wildlife adapted to its harsh environment. Lake Natron is especially famous for its incredible birdlife, particularly thousands of flamingos that gather along its shores, making it a paradise for bird lovers. In addition, ostriches, monkeys, and even pythons can be found in the surrounding habitats, creating a fascinating and memorable experience for adventurous travelers.
Flamingos find a safe breeding ground at Lake Natron, since most other animals find its caustic environment and high temperature of the lake (up to 60°C) as well as its high salinity inhospitable. It therefore provides a good barrier against predators trying to reach nests on seasonal evaporation islands. Every year, more than two million flamingos come here to lay their eggs and chicks hatch between September and April. Cyanobacteria are increasing with the salinity of the water, and the lake can carry more nests. Larger flamingos also breed in the Wadden Sea.
Some fish species (such as tilapia) can survive in the slightly less salty water near the shore. Lake Natron is also home to some endemic algae, invertebrates and other birds. Tens of thousands of other birds can be spotted near the lake, making Lake Natron a prime destination for bird lovers in Africa.
Lake Natron is also well connected other National parks, such as: Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south and the Northern Serengeti National Park in the west. Usually Lake Natron will be visited after Lake Manyara National Park.
Natron is a well appreciated place by our guests. This is also because it is different from all other game drives and it gives people the chance to stretch the legs, and do some other activities before continue with safari. From the end of July we often go from Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti to see the river crossings.
How long to stay? Not less than 2 nights
Which accommodation? Maasai Giraffe Eco Camp for the more budget one and Lake Natron Camp for the more luxurious guests
It is hard to predict when the flamingos are in Lake Natron, especially the last years it has changed a bit and it all depends on the rainfall. The problem with Lake Natron is that you have to avoid it in the more wet seasons, because there is a very high chance that your car gets stuck in the mud. Therefore from July – October are the best time to reach Lake Natron by car.
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