Often described as having a striking, otherworldly beauty, Lake Natron offers a unique experience. The lake’s deep red color comes from salt-loving organisms and algae, which also support nesting grounds for Lesser Flamingos. Remarkably, Lake Natron is home to 2.5 million flamingos, serving as one of their few breeding sites, making its preservation vital. Unlike many lakes where human settlements thrive, the harsh, barren landscape around Lake Natron highlights the challenges of survival in this area.

Activities around Lake Natron:

The primary activities around Lake Natron center on scenic walks. You can venture across the baked mud flats to the shores of the soda lake, where algae and zooplankton flourish, attracting flamingos that line the water’s edge. This walk is best undertaken early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense heat.

Another must-do is a walk up to the Engero Sero Waterfalls. This path leads you through a shaded gorge, offering a cool respite from the sun, with steep cliffs on either side. A bit of easy scrambling and a few river crossings are involved, but after a few hours, you’ll reach a stunning natural pool surrounded by tall rock walls. Spring-fed cascades shower down, with palm trees overhead, creating a perfect spot for a refreshing swim after the hike.

To the south of Lake Natron stands Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano towering at 2,878 meters. The climb, which starts around midnight, is challenging, requiring about six hours to reach the summit by sunrise, rewarding climbers with breathtaking views. This trek is strenuous and comes with the high risks associated with an active volcano, so participants should be prepared for a demanding ascent.