Size
of the lake 1,254 km² (525 mi²)
Thought to be created
1.5 million years ago
Best time to visit
year-round
Lake Natron, a vast alkaline lake straddling the border of Tanzania and Kenya, offers a remote and rugged escape from the typical Northern Circuit destinations. Although it’s located just 214km from Arusha, this wild region feels like a world away, yet it’s accessible when combined with visits to Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.
With a hot desert climate year-round and its caustic waters hostile to most wildlife, Lake Natron’s landscape is harsh and unforgiving. The rough roads and dusty air add to its isolated charm. So, what draws visitors to this desolate wonder?
For nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking solitude, Lake Natron is captivating. The lake turns crimson during the dry season, and the towering Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano provides a breathtaking backdrop. The striking ochre tones and surreal terrain create a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone who ventures into this otherworldly place.
The Maasai believe Ol Doinyo Lengai is the sacred dwelling of their god, Ngai. In the Maa language, the volcano’s name translates to “Mountain of God.” Guided treks up this majestic peak typically begin at midnight, allowing hikers to avoid the intense daytime heat. While the ascent is notoriously steep and challenging, the breathtaking views from the crater rim at sunrise make the effort worthwhile. The dawn light illuminating the surrounding landscape creates a truly unforgettable experience for those who conquer the climb.
Just 15 km (9 mi) from Ol Doinyo Lengai, Engare Sero offers a remarkable window into humanity’s ancient past. Here, around 400 preserved human footprints are etched into the ground, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people who roamed the area between 5,000 and 19,000 years ago. Walking among these ancient tracks is a humbling experience, as it connects visitors with the earliest chapters of human history in a way that few other places can.
From September to May, Lake Natron transforms into a vital breeding ground for approximately 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos, creating a stunning wildlife spectacle. This is one of the reasons the lake is designated as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance. The flamingos nest in the shallow waters in the center of the lake, where their young are safeguarded from predators like hyenas and jackals. Visitors can witness large flocks moving gracefully across the water in choreographed formations, though the most common sight is flamingos feeding along the shoreline.
In addition to flamingos, Lake Natron is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 250 other bird species making the area their home. Species such as the Greater Flamingo, common ostrich, sacred ibis, Egyptian goose, pelican, kori bustard, crested francolin, and bare-faced go-away-bird can all be spotted.
Although Lake Natron isn’t known for large numbers of wildlife, the shoreline is home to animals like zebra, wildebeest, kudu, oryx, and gerenuks. Predators such as golden jackals and hyenas are rarely seen, adding to the allure of this remote and wild landscape.
One of the highlights of visiting Lake Natron is a 45-minute guided hike to a stunning waterfall, an unexpected marvel in such a hot, arid environment. The hike begins in the afternoon, and as you enter the steep-sided Ngare Sero River gorge, the relief from the heat is immediate. Hip-high water crossings add to the cooling sensation, and the experience culminates in the chance to swim behind the cascading waterfall—a truly unforgettable moment.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in Maasai culture by visiting a Manyata (homestead), where you’ll learn about their gods, traditions, and nomadic way of life.
Lake Natron is a remote and off-the-beaten-path destination, ideal for nature lovers and adventurers looking to disconnect from the outside world and experience raw, untouched beauty.
Millions of flamingos flock here to lay their eggs from September to May. The harsh soda water helps to keep predators away from their young.
This remote area on the popular Northern Safari Circuit feels secluded even during peak season. Take a detour to experience a few days off the beaten track.
A 45-minute guided walk into the steep sided Ngare Sero River gorge will lead you to a waterfall, where you can swim in the plunge pool and retreat from the heat.
The best time to visit Lake Natron is during the dry season, from June to October. Daytime temperatures are still hot but milder than during the rainy season, and hiking is more comfortable. Intense evaporation during the dry season increases the lake’s salinity levels, creating the perfect environment for the cyanobacteria to multiply rapidly. This process turns the lake red. Consequently, the best time to take incredible photos is the dry season. The area should be avoided from mid-November to February if you do not like very hot weather. You can visit during the rainy season, from March to May; however, parts of the shoreline may be inaccessible.
June to October
Ideal for hiking and to see the start of the flamingo breeding season.
Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai offer exceptional hiking experiences. A guided hike through a gorge leads to a refreshing waterfall, where you can cool off with a swim in a natural plunge pool. For those with more time, a multi-day trek from the Ngorongoro Highlands to Lake Natron offers a magical and rare journey few have experienced. For experienced hikers, the steep and demanding ascent of Ol Doinyo Lengai rewards with breathtaking dawn views from the crater rim.
The region is known for its intense heat, especially from September to June. For climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai or embarking on a multi-day trek, the cooler, dry months of July and August are ideal. However, the hike to the waterfall can be enjoyed year-round, offering a refreshing escape in any season.
Lake Natron and its surroundings offer a different kind of adventure compared to the typical safari experience. This remote, off-the-beaten-path destination is not about game drives or spotting big wildlife in abundance; instead, it’s a place where nature’s raw beauty takes center stage, and exploration is done on foot.
Hiking through the rugged landscape, visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery, from the stark, red-tinged lake to the towering silhouette of Ol Doinyo Lengai. The sense of isolation and serenity is unparalleled, making it a perfect escape for those seeking something more intimate and tranquil. Here, every step allows you to connect deeply with the natural surroundings, far from the usual safari crowds.
From trekking gorges to reaching waterfalls, to watching flocks of flamingos wading in the alkaline waters, Lake Natron is a place where exploration feels personal, and the scenery leaves a lasting impression.
Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai are hidden gems, just 214 km from Arusha, offering a rare sense of seclusion within the Northern Circuit. These remote spots, characterized by their intense year-round heat, attract fewer tourists, making them perfect for adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Often explored en route to Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, this region promises a unique escape. The trek to the stunning waterfall begins south of Engare Sero, a quaint village where most accommodations are conveniently located, offering a serene base for exploration.
