What Makes This Destination So Special?
Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai sit together in the northern reaches of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, forming one of the most otherworldly landscapes on the continent. Lake Natron is famous for its striking blood-red waters, coloured by salt-loving microorganisms thriving in its highly alkaline conditions, so caustic they can calcify anything that doesn’t survive contact with it. Despite this, the lake is the primary breeding ground for East Africa’s lesser flamingos, who nest safely on its salt flats out of reach of predators.
Rising beside the lake is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God” to the Maasai, and the only volcano on Earth known to erupt rare, cool, black carbonatite lava. This is a landscape for travellers seeking something raw and different from the classic safari circuit, dramatic geology, flamingo spectacles, and genuine adventure.
Let Inland Safari Adventures take you off the beaten path to this remarkable corner of Tanzania.
How to Get to the Lake Natron
Lake Natron lies in a remote part of northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border, roughly 3 to 4 hours’ drive north of Ngorongoro Crater on rough, scenic roads. Most itineraries combine it as an extension to a Northern Circuit safari, travelling on from Ngorongoro or the Serengeti rather than as a standalone destination.
Because of the remote roads, a full day should be allowed for the journey each way so that our team builds this travel time into your itinerary so you arrive rested and ready to explore.
Things to do in Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai
Flamingo Viewing Witness thousands of lesser flamingos gathered on the lake’s salt flats, one of the most photogenic wildlife spectacles in East Africa.
Ol Doinyo Lengai Night Climb Take on a demanding overnight trek up the “Mountain of God” to reach the crater rim by sunrise which is a serious but unforgettable adventure for fit, experienced hikers.
Engare Sero Waterfalls Hike through gorges to swim in natural pools beneath a series of waterfalls, a refreshing contrast to the arid landscape around the lake.
Maasai Village Visits Meet local Maasai communities living around the lake and learn about life in this remote part of the Rift Valley.
Fossilised Footprints Visit the nearby Engare Sero footprint site, home to some of the best-preserved ancient human footprints ever discovered.
