Safaris: Lake Natron


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Detailed Trip Description

Lake Natron is the lowest point of the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania (600m / 2000 ft). It is also home to the only active volcano in Tanzania: Ol Doinyo Lengai (Mountain of God). The lake is extremely high in sodium carbonate, algae, and zoo plankton supporting vast numbers of flamingos and other water birds, especially during and after the rainy season. This area is quite desolate and hot. Local, fresh springs form surprising oases in this landscape. On the drive between Lake Natron and the Arusha/Lake Manyara road, you can see many Masai villages, termite mounds, gazelle, giraffe, zebra, baboons, bee boxes, and birds such as vultures, ostrich, starlings, Cory Bustards, and kites. On the drive between Lake Natron and the Serengeti, the vast number of Masai villages and cattle is amazing.


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Trip Itinerary

Day 1-3 - Tanzania

 
Enjoy Lake Natron Safari.
Safari

Lake Natron is a 3+ hour drive from the Lake Manyara area, and 4-5 hours from the northeastern entrance to the Serengeti (Klein's Gate). Both roads are fairly bumpy and dusty. You would visit Lake Natron either on the way the Serengeti or on the way back.

You can do the following Activities during the safari:

Walk to Waterfalls

See Flamingos and other water birds

Full day game drive around the south and west side of Lake Natron.

There are many Masaai villages in the area to visit.

Walk to Waterfalls
Adventure

This is a 20 minute hike up a river gorge. You will need non-leather sandals (soda harms leather). It is slippery and requires scrambling. It is an excellent swim in the river and under the waterfalls for a nice cool-down from the hot sun. There may be baboons or other wildlife in the gorge.

Tanzania Adventure picture Tanzania Adventure picture Tanzania Adventure picture
See Flamingos and other water birds
Sightseeing

You will walk from the Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge or from the road out on the mud flats to the edge of the water. In the dry season, this may be a half-mile walk.

Tanzania Sightseeing picture Tanzania Sightseeing picture Tanzania Sightseeing picture
Game Drive
Safari

Full day game drive around the south and west side of Lake Natron.

Tanzania Safari picture Tanzania Safari picture Tanzania Safari picture
Masaai Village
Sightseeing

There are many Masaai villages in the area to visit.

Tanzania Sightseeing picture Tanzania Sightseeing picture

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