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EAST AFRICA · EST. 2021

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Flamingos wading in shallow water below a large cone-shaped mountain with cloud on its summit

Lake Natron

A red lake, a volcano, and a long road worth taking.

Why Lake Natron

The least likely nursery in Africa

Lake Natron is a soda lake in the floor of the Rift Valley, so caustic that almost nothing can live in it. That is exactly why it matters. Lesser flamingos nest on its salt islands, safe from the predators that cannot cross the chemistry, and it is the main breeding site for the species in East Africa.

To the south, Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai Mountain of God, rises more than two kilometres above the valley floor. It is an active volcano. Between lake and mountain lie volcanic plains, gorges, a waterfall pool and Maasai communities who still live on this land. It is a wild corner of the circuit, and it is not a national park.

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Not an easy place

The heat is intense, the roads are rough and the facilities are few. That is also why it is quiet. Natron suits guests who like landscapes that look like another planet, and who do not mind a long drive to see one.

How we plan it

Allow two nights: one to arrive and see the lake, and another around a Lengai climb if you want it. We build Natron into the north as a deliberate extra, with the long transfers planned so they do not eat the rest of the trip. Stays are arranged on request.

Best months
The dry season, roughly June to October, is the most comfortable. Flamingo colonies are most often reported from about August to October, depending on the lake.
Getting there
By road, a long and rough drive from Arusha or the north of the Serengeti, past the Engaruka ruins. We plan it as a full travel day.
How long
Two nights at the least, three with the Lengai climb.
Pairs well with
Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, or Arusha National Park and a Kilimanjaro climb.

When to go

The year, usually

Natron has the same rainy seasons as the rest of the north, with far more heat. Here is how the year looks.

January and February

Hot, with the valley heat at its fiercest by day. Quiet. Flamingos can be on the lake, but breeding colonies are rarely the story.

March to May

The long rains. Tracks can turn to mud and rivers rise. We avoid Natron at this time.

June to October

The dry season. The most comfortable weather, the best conditions for the Lengai climb, and the likeliest months for flamingo colonies.

November and December

The short rains. Heat, occasional storms, and a landscape that can change from one year to the next.

Around the lake

Three sides of Natron

A man in a red checked shawl standing in grass at the water's edge, a large mountain behind him in warm early light, camp tents in the distance

Lake Natron · Colonies most often August to October

The lake and the flamingos

The lake is up to 57 kilometres long, shallow, and tinted red and pink by the algae and minerals in the water. Lesser flamingos feed along its edge, and the shore is baked mud and salt crust, with crystals sharp enough to cut.

We walk the shore at dawn or dusk, when the heat eases and the light brings the colour into the water. We watch the colonies from a respectful distance, so the birds are not disturbed.

Mind the heat

The shore is hot and the salt is sharp. Closed shoes, sun protection and plenty of water matter more than binoculars.

Two people standing on green grass beside a stream near dark tent shelters, a large cone-shaped mountain behind

The Mountain of God · Best June to October

Ol Doinyo Lengai

The climb begins at midnight, to reach the summit around sunrise and avoid the heat. It is extremely steep, around five or six hours up and two to come down, and you go with a local guide. At the top you look across the volcanoes of the Rift Valley in the early light.

It is one of the hardest days on any itinerary, and it is not for everyone. If you would rather watch than climb, the mountain still shapes every view at Natron.

Think carefully

The footing is loose and the slope relentless. Be fit, wear sturdy boots, and tell us how much you want it. We will plan around that.

Zebras drinking from shallow streams across green and dark ground, white egrets nearby and a dark shelter on the right

Gorge, waterfall and ancient footprints · Good all year

Engare Sero gorge and the footprints

A short hike up a shaded gorge, crossing the river, ends at a waterfall and a natural pool beneath the palms, a welcome change after the heat. Nearby, human footprints preserved in volcanic mud, thousands of years old, can be seen on a guided visit.

The village of Engare Sero is the gateway to all of it. A local guide is needed for the climb and for some of the walks, and visits are arranged through the village.

Before you set out

The water is cool and the walk is short, but the river is crossed several times. Bring shoes that can get wet.

How we arrange it

Stays at Natron are arranged on request, and facilities are basic compared with the main parks.

Ask us about Lake Natron

What you will do

Beyond the lakeshore

Lakeshore walks

Dawn or dusk walks along the shore, when the heat eases and the flamingos are feeding.

The Lengai climb

A midnight start, a steep ascent and a sunrise summit, with a local guide.

The gorge and waterfall

A shaded hike to a cool pool, best taken in the late afternoon.

Maasai country and Engaruka

Visits arranged through the village or your guide, and a stop at the ruins of an old farming settlement at Engaruka on the way in.

A typical day

A day at Natron, usually

Everything at Natron bends around the heat. This is the shape most days take.

  1. Before dawnUp before the heat, with tea, while the lake is still grey.
  2. First lightAlong the shore as the colour comes into the water.
  3. Mid-morningBack to camp, because the heat has arrived.
  4. MiddayShade, water and a long rest.
  5. Late afternoonThe gorge and the waterfall, when the walk is cool enough.
  6. EveningA big sky, a quiet camp and a volcano against the stars.

Good to know

The heat

Daytime heat is fierce. We plan activity for early morning and late afternoon.

The roads

Gravel and rough tracks, with the last stretch the roughest. Plan a full day of travel either way.

Access

There are no park gates here. Guides and access are arranged through the village of Engare Sero.

Who it suits

Who it suits

Honeymoon

An adventurous extra for couples who like landscapes that look like another planet. The heat and the rough roads are the price.

Honeymoon safaris →

Family

Better for older children and teenagers. The Lengai climb is a long, hard night, so we would talk it through with you before planning it.

Family safaris →

Friends

A good fit for a group that wants a proper adventure: a lake, a volcano climb and a pool at the end.

Friends safaris →

Pair it with

Elsewhere on the Northern Circuit

Aerial view of zebra and wildebeest herds scattered across green plains, with animals gathered at a shallow pool

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The crater, the highlands and Olduvai Gorge.

Read the guide →
A safari vehicle parked among a large herd of grazing animals on open golden grassland under a cloudy sky

Serengeti National Park

Five zones, one migration, and the month that decides which.

Read the guide →

Arusha National Park

Walks, canoes and Mount Meru on the city’s doorstep.

Read the guide →

See the whole Northern Circuit →

Lake Natron: what people ask us first

Is Lake Natron worth the drive?

If you like wild, remote landscapes, yes. The drive is long and rough and the heat is fierce, so it is not for everyone.

When do the flamingos breed?

Lesser flamingos are most often reported breeding from about August to October, but it depends on the lake, so we never promise it.

Can we climb Ol Doinyo Lengai?

Yes. The climb starts at midnight, takes about five or six hours up, and you go with a local guide. It is very steep, so you need to be fit.

How long does it take to get there?

A full travel day by road from Arusha or the Serengeti side, on rough tracks for the last stretch.

Is it a national park?

No. Natron is a Maasai area, and access and guides are arranged through the village of Engare Sero.

Tell us how much heat and adventure you want. We will tell you how to plan Natron.

Send us your dates and who is coming. Goodluck will come back with a route, and the reasons behind every camp on it.

Begin the conversation

+255 753 744 283 · hello@easguides.travel

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