We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Lake Natron, Kenya & Tanzania

Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is a very special lake. Lying close to the Kenya border in the eastern branch of Africa’s Rift Valley, Lake Natron is the world’s largest breeding ground of the Lesser Flamingo. As the only breeding ground for this beautiful bird in East Africa, 2.5 million flamingos depend on Lake Natron for their continued survival. This large salt lake lies in an area…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Natron! Article topics include:

Looking for Lake Natron cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Lake Natron, Kenya / Tanzania

    Lake Locations: Kenya - Rift Valley Region, Kenya - Tanzania - Arusha Region, Tanzania -

    Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is a very special lake. Lying close to the Kenya border in the eastern branch of Africa’s Rift Valley, Lake Natron is the world’s largest breeding ground of the Lesser Flamingo. As the only breeding ground for this beautiful bird in East Africa, 2.5 million flamingos depend on Lake Natron for their continued survival. This large salt lake lies in an area that receives very little rainfall and relies on the intermittent flow of the Ewaso Ng’iro River flowing from Kenya and hot mineral springs to add water to the lake. Much water is lost through evaporation, leaving behind the salts and minerals that result in Lake Natron having a pH level near that of ammonia at times. The temperature of the water can range up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

    This odd set of attributes makes Lake Natron an ideal breeding spot for the flamingos, who build their nests elevated above the hot mud flats. The hot, mineral-rich water is ideal for the growth of salt-loving microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, a form of blue-green algae. Red pigment in the cyanobacteria causes the red coloring of the water and tinges the salt crust of the lake pink. There are few intruders into this hostile environment, thus the flamingos can nest without disturbance, feasting on the algae.

    Only a few types of fish can thrive in this mineral-rich environment. Two that do are uniquely acclimated to the hot spring inlets – both a form of alkaline tilapias. Because of the arid climate and lack of fresh water, there are no permanent settlements near the lake, just some herding and seasonal cultivation. Lake Natron has had human visitors for many thousands of years: beginning in 1998, human footprints judged to be 120,000 years old were discovered embedded in the tuft along the south shore of the lake. Various safaris and treks in the area take visitors to view the footprints, which are under study by anthropologists. Lake Natron is a scheduled stop on most Tanzania safaris and guided treks. Several camps near the shoreline act as stopping points for the safaris and as base camps from which the adventurous climb the slopes of nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai. This still-active volcano is unique among active volcanoes in that it produces natrocarbonatite lava, a unique occurrence of volcanic carbonatite. Further, the temperature of its lava as it emerges is only around 950 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Designated as Lake Natron Basin Wetlands Of International Importance by RAMSAR, the international conservation community has attempted to work with the government of Tanzania to protect the delicate Lake Natron environment and its resident lesser flamingos. Currently, two threats to the ecology of Lake Natron are recognized. The first is a proposed hydroelectric dam to be built on the Kenya portion of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It is feared that disruption of the water supply will change the alkalinity levels, thus endangering the food supply that supports the flamingo population. The second threat is the current plan by the government of Tanzania to allow a soda ash plant to be developed on the lakeshore. This plan includes providing housing for up to 1000 workers on-site and suspending a network of piping into the water to extract minerals for soda ash production. Ecologists are concerned that such an enterprise would alter salinity levels to the point where the flamingo nesting population would no longer be viable. Conservation groups are working internationally to try to alleviate damage to Lake Natron’s sensitive environment for both of these activities.

    Camps near the shores of Lake Natron host eco-safaris and bird-watching tours; the freshwater marshes surrounding Lake Natron attract a variety of birds such as weavers, bee-eaters, vultures, eagles, storks, egrets, corrie bustards, sparrow, doves, buzzards and hawks. Bird-watching expeditions are most popular during the wet season, while large mammal viewing is better during the dry season. The closest access point to most treks and safaris that include Lake Natron is the Kilimanjaro Airport. A number of safari companies can provide nearly any itinerary you wish to travel. Depending on the level of luxury a safari group chooses, accommodations range from luxurious ‘camp’ accommodations including permanent tent facilities on raised platforms and complete with private baths, custom-prepared meals and spa treatments to rough camping facilities with provided tents. Some treks are available for bicycling tours, auto touring and volcano climbing. Cultural tours focus on visits to Masai villages to acquaint the visitors with traditional Masai culture. Several nearby reserves offer a variety of experiences and sights most first-time visitors to Africa consider high on their ‘bucket list’. Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park are within 50 miles of Lake Natron’s south and west shores, while Shompole Conservancy extends from just north of the shore into Kenya. The private Shompole Conservancy offers unique lodging facilities designed to make the most of a spectacular Rift Valley view.

    If a trip to East Africa is on your list of dream destinations, Lake Natron should hold a prominent spot on the itinerary. Although there is no swimming, fishing or boating, Lake Natron is an experience no lakelubber should miss. Because there is little local lodging or real estate available, organized safaris and treks are the best way to see everything this unique natural wonder has to offer. Pack the camera, the binoculars and the sunscreen . . .you’re in for a very special treat!

    Things to Do at Lake Natron

    These are some activities in the Lake Natron, Kenya / Tanzania area visitors can enjoy:

    • Camping
    • Biking
    • Birding
    • National Park
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Lake Natron

    If you’re considering a Lake Natron lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Natron Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Natron lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Lake Natron Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Saltwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 148,263 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 2,001 feet

    Water Volume: 283,750 acre-feet

    Drainage Area: 360 sq. miles

    Lake Natron Map

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Lake Natron Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    SHOP NOW
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Lake Natron news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Lake Natron forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Lake Natron photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Lake Natron article with your fellow LakeLubbers: