Lake Natron is a salt lake located in northern Tanzania. It is fed by mineral-rich hot springs and is quite shallow and varies in width depending on its water level, which changes due to high levels of evaporation, leaving behind a mixture of salts and minerals called natron.
The color of the lake is characteristic of those where very high evaporation rates occur.
The high temperature (up to 60°C) and the high and very variable salt content of the lake does not support wildlife. However it is an important habitat for flamingos and is home to endemic algae. It is the only regular breeding area in East Africa for the 2.5 million Lesser Flamingoes, whose status of “near threatened” is a consequence of their dependence on the single breeding location. Lake Natron is a safe breeding location because its caustic environment is a barrier against predators trying to reach their nests. It skirts around the active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai
The areas around Lake Natron contain some of the most amazing scenery in Africa. The combination of broad open plains, sheer rift escarpments, enormous freestanding volcanoes and the vast multi-coloured soda lake itself is utterly breathtaking.
Lake Natron also provides a fascinating route back from the Northern Parks that you want to visit.
