Lake Natron Controlled Area
OVERVIEW
Explore the amazing Lake Natron Controlled Area, which is home to some of Tanzania’s most unusual and surreal scenery. The eerily beautiful yet severe Lake Natron is situated in the country’s north, close to the Kenyan border. The vibrant red and pink colors of the soda lake create an unreal contrast with the Great Rift Valley and the massive Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. This alkaline lake is an important sanctuary for lesser flamingos, as it is one of their few remaining nesting places. For those looking to discover Tanzania’s lesser-known locations, the Lake Natron Controlled Area provides an amazing experience. Here, amazing fauna and bleak beauty coexist in a secluded and tranquil environment.
LAKE NATRON CONTROLLED AREA
The enormous and untamed Lake Natron Controlled Area includes the lake itself, as well as the surrounding dry landscapes, stunning cliffs, and the Maasai people’s ancient homelands. The region is renowned for its harsh climate, with record highs for temperatures and alkalinity of the water that may reach pH values as high as 10.5. Notwithstanding these circumstances, Lake Natron sustains an ecosystem that is specially suited to its hostile environment. The shallow, mineral-rich waters of the lake serve as an ideal breeding environment for algae, drawing millions of lesser flamingos to the area, making it one of the most significant flamingo breeding locations worldwide.
Beyond the flamingos, the Lake Natron Controlled Area provides hikes, bird watching, and cultural exchanges with the nearby Maasai communities as a means for tourists to experience its untamed landscape. The area’s striking scenery is enhanced by the nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano called as the “Mountain of God” in Maasai. Hikers who are feeling adventurous might climb to the summit for stunning views of the lake and the adjacent Rift Valley. A trip to Lake Natron is an adventure into one of Tanzania’s most unspoiled and unique areas, where the untainted beauty and strength of the natural world are abundantly evident.
