Lake & Rift Valley
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is a surreal crimson soda lake beneath the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, and the world's main breeding site for lesser flamingos.
Altitude
600 m
Location
Northern Tanzania, near Kenyan border
Best Time
June–October
Lake Natron is one of Tanzania's most otherworldly sights — a shallow, caustic soda lake that glows red and orange from salt-loving microorganisms. It is the single most important breeding ground on earth for lesser flamingos, which gather here in their millions.
Towering above is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the 'Mountain of God', an active volcano sacred to the Maasai and climbable on a tough overnight trek. Waterfall hikes and Maasai cultural visits round out the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lake Natron red?
Salt-loving microorganisms thrive in the lake's highly alkaline water, tinting it red and orange — a striking backdrop to the millions of flamingos that breed there.
Can you climb Ol Doinyo Lengai from Lake Natron?
Yes — the active volcano can be climbed on a strenuous overnight trek starting near midnight to reach the summit at dawn.