![]() ![]() ![]() Hikers who take a short detour from Lake Natron and climb the rift valley wall are treated to the majestic views of fragmented valley walls that stretch as far as the eye can see. ![]() Also called the East African rift, it comprises a series of contiguous trenches formed from the splitting apart of the African tectonic plate into two separate plates. The Great Rift Valley is a fascinating geologic and geographic feature running the entire eastern length of Africa down to Mozambique. And as mentioned, with over 300 species of birds, visitors can enjoy the sight of certain species of ostriches and storks and even the bateleur, part of the eagle family. When visiting the lake, you can get close to these pink-feathered friends for observation or picture-taking. There could not be a better place to observe one of the largest populations of colorful lesser flamingos in their natural habitat. If you are into birdwatching, then you have struck gold. Read our hiking in Tanzania guide for more details. Remember to take your hiking sticks, suitable clothing, a jacket, and a good camera to capture the view. With an early start and proper equipment, any fit hiker can make it to the top in 4 to 5 hours. A popular peak for hiking, amazing views of the Tanzanian plains, stretching across the expanse to Kilimanjaro, can be seen from the summit. Ol Doinyo Lengai (the Maasai's Mountain of God), at an elevation of 10,459 feet, is the only active volcano in Tanzania. And if you're wondering how best to enjoy this destination, we've listed our recommendations for exciting activities in and around Lake Natronĥ Things to Do in Lake Natron Climb Ol Doinyo Lengai Lake Natron is the lesser flamingos' only breeding site in East Africa and home to over 300 other species of birds, including the great white pelican.Īll this rich biodiversity and rare scenic beauty make the remote Lake Natron a must-visit destination in Tanzania. Visitors to the lake will see firsthand the fragility of the lake's ecosystem. ![]() In this highly alkaline environment, algae and zooplankton thrive.īecause of Lake Natron's extreme isolation and mineral-rich water (the perfect environment for abundant microorganisms as a food source), the lake is the ideal breeding ground for over 2.5 million lesser flamingos. The shallow waters of Lake Natron evaporate, leaving the remaining water with a very high concentration of sodium carbonate (soda). Natural springs surround the lake, providing precious water for many species of birds and other fauna. At an altitude of 2000 feet above sea level, it runs north/south along the Eastern Rift section of the Great Rift Valley.Īlthough Lake Natron's waters are shallow, it has never gone dry-even through notoriously hot summers. The “DIY tourism” presents many unknowns and therefore becomes difficult to practice.Remote and inhabited only by scattered Maasai settlements, Lake Natron sits at the foot of the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai, in northern Tanzania. The strict regulation of parks has the laudable aim of safeguarding the inestimable natural heritage and supporting the local economy. The paths of the safaris are strictly bound to the trails. Our programs include the excursion to the lake and the archaeological site and the excursion to the waterfalls.Įntry to the National Parks in Tanzania is allowed to licensed off-road vehicles of local tour operators with a valid license. The integration between traditional life and tourism seems particularly successful here and the smiles of the girls who will struggle to sell their jewelry will remain in your heart, together with the explanations that their fathers will be able to give you on the lake and on this arid and brilliant portion of Africa. It is not surprising to find here a rich presence of Masai, which make this place a real corner of Africa crystallized over time. In this land of Masai, who climb the volcano to pay homage to the gods who inhabit the interior of the crater, the echo of the western world almost does not arrive: absence of cellular signal, dim electricity, and an impalpable lightness, like flamingos hovering on the lake. The few tourists who go as far as Lake Natron WMA have the privilege of immersing themselves in a unique and unforgettable African landscape! On a lake as black as lava, red as the pigment of the bacteria that proliferate there, blue as the sky, pink as the feathers of the flamingos, stands out the profile of the “mountain of God”, the volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai. ![]()
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