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Lake Natron Safari - Compare 175 Tours

Lake Natron is too often bypassed in the rush to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Lake Manyara, but that can only be because most travelers have no idea what a remarkable place they’re missing. Far from the busy trails of Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit, in one of the most beautiful corners of the country, Lake Natron is a really special destination. You can see flamingos here and the views of the perfectly formed mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai are impossible to beat. Lake Natron also has a wonderfully remote feel to it and it lies in the heart of Maasailand: your encounters with the locals up here are likely to be far less touristy than elsewhere.

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6 Questions About Lake Natron Safaris

1. Will I see flamingos on a Lake Natron tour?
2. What is the best time to see the flamingos?
3. Can I climb Ol Doinyo Lengai when I visit Lake Natron?
4. Why is Lake Natron considered deadly?
5. What accommodations are there at Lake Natron?
6. What is the cost of a safari to Lake Natron?
 
 

6 Questions About Lake Natron Safaris

Answered by Anthony Ham

Will I see flamingos on a Lake Natron tour?

“Lake Natron is one of the best places in Tanzania (and all of East Africa) to see flamingos, so there’s a good chance that you’ll see some when you visit. But of course, as with any potentially unpredictable wildlife-viewing experience, there are no guarantees. There are flamingos at the lake throughout the year, but Lake Natron is very big (up to 56km/35mi long and 22km/14mi wide). This means the flamingos aren’t always visible along the more accessible western and southern lakeshores, other than in the distance. Obviously, the longer you spend here, the better your chances of seeing them. And there are certain times of the year (usually November to March) when there are many more flamingos at Lake Natron, which also gives you a better chance of seeing them on your trip.”

1

What is the best time to see the flamingos?

“Flamingos live at Lake Natron year-round, but there are two things to take into account when deciding when to go on a Lake Natron holiday: the weather and the peak time for flamingos. The most pleasant weather conditions for visiting Lake Natron usually occur from June to October. These are the cooler months, when daytime temperatures can be relatively mild and evenings cool. Rain is also rare during these months. Unfortunately, though, only relatively small flamingo flocks are in residence from June to September. Later in the year, especially from December through to February, temperatures can be unbearably hot, both during the day and at night. Rain is also possible from March to April or May. Although they can start arriving earlier in the year, the really large numbers of flamingos (up to 2.5 million) usually begin landing at the lake in October or November. They then stay until March or April when they leave en masse. Given the above, October is likely to be the best time to see the flamingos if you want to avoid the extreme heat and rain.”

2

Can I climb Ol Doinyo Lengai when I visit Lake Natron?

“Although most visitors admire Ol Doinyo Lengai from afar, many Lake Natron tours and packages include an ascent, and climbing this beautiful mountain is certainly possible. The climb usually begins with a midnight departure from the lakeside village of Engaresero, just off the southern end of Lake Natron. It’s a steep walk, rather than a technical rock climb, but the higher you get, the steeper it becomes. You’ll be climbing almost pressed flat against the mountain wall as you near the summit. If you climb on a clear night under a full moon, you really could have the most magical experience. And you should be on the summit by sunrise, making for incredible dawn views out over the lake and the Crater Highlands. You’ll likely be back down in Engaresero by mid-morning. Make sure that your operator provides you with a helmet. That’s because there are often baboons on some of the high slopes and they sometimes dislodge gravel and larger stones as they move around.”

3

Why is Lake Natron considered deadly?

“Lake Natron is not a place to go swimming. For a start, the lake has no outlets, which means the salty desert rainwaters evaporate in the hot, northern Tanzanian sun, leaving behind a high concentration of salts. That alone would make Lake Natron like the Dead Sea. No problem there, but the toxic chemicals that have run off from past eruptions of Ol Doinyo Lengai make the waters highly dangerous to most life-forms (animals that die in the lake sometimes turn to stone). It’s also dangerous due to its high temperatures. In places, the waters are 60℃/140℉, which is enough to cause third-degree burns in seconds. So, how do flamingos survive? Flamingos have tough, scaly skin and can actually filter salt water if they need to drink (they are immune to the lake’s toxic chemicals). They’re also protected from predators out on the lake.”

4

What accommodations are there at Lake Natron?

“Most Lake Natron tours and holiday packages use Engaresero, a settlement with widely scattered buildings near the southern end of the lake, as a base. This is where you’ll find most of the accommodations. There’s a good range of places to stay in the area, including choices across a range of budgets. Closest to the lakeshore is a handful of relatively luxurious and exclusive tented camps. These are often delightfully secluded and some distance away from the other places to stay. Closer to the village, and to Ol Doinyo Lengai, you’ll find a range of more affordable options. These tend to have bungalow-style accommodations, usually with a garden restaurant and sometimes a swimming pool. Almost every place here offers glorious views of Ol Doinyo Lengai.”

5

What is the cost of a safari to Lake Natron?

“A safari to Lake Natron will usually cost between US$100 and US$500 per person per day. As such, Lake Natron tends to be a little cheaper than the major Tanzanian safari parks, although it is often combined with these parks on a longer safari. The difference in price is caused by a number of variables. These include: the level of luxury and comfort you can expect in your accommodations; whether you are on a private, group or self-drive safari; and what time of year you are visiting Lake Natron. If your visit to Lake Natron is part of a longer safari, then factors associated with the other destinations in your safari will also come into play. Always ask what is included, and not included, in the quoted cost of any safari (e.g. transfers, accommodations, guide, park entry fees, meals and drinks). That way, you can be sure exactly what you’re getting for the money you pay.”

6