Lake Natron is a shallow lake fed by the Ewaso Ngiro River and mineral-rich hot springs whose depth and width varies with the rate of evaporation. The lake has no outlet, and has high concentrations of salt and other minerals. Temperatures in the lake can reach 50 °C, and depending on rainfall, the alkalinity can reach a pH of 9 to 10.5 (similar to ammonia) and up to 12 making it one of the most inhospitable lakes on Earth. The lake is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

This, what should be lifeless, environment is what makes Lake Natron such a site to behold and is the very lifeblood of the flora and fauna that thrive on it. The Lakes salt content is a perfect environment for the extreme cyanobacteria that produces the deep red (photosynthesizing pigments) colour of the open lake water and the orange colors of the shallow parts of the lake. The alkali salt crust on the surface of the lake is also often colored red or pink by the salt-loving microorganisms that live there. This eco-system creates an environment that simply looks weird a lot of the time and gives flamingos their famous colour.

Lake Natron is little known among the regular safari circuit and it is best taken in as a more interesting, and less congested, route between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Parks. Scenic walkways are the main attraction to Lake Natron. You can walk out across the baked mud to the shores of the great soda lake itself, in which algae and zooplankton thrive – which in turn attract the flamingos that line the lake’s shore. In the background to the South, Ol Doinyo Lengai dominates the area. Standing tall in amongst rolling hills and flat plains. Its ash-grey colour and smoking top remind you that this is still very much an active volcano. This walk is best done in the very early morning or late afternoon out of the heat of the day.

Whilst here, take the chance to walk up to the Engero Sero Waterfalls. This walk winds up through a shady gorge between steep cliffs, a welcome break from the heat. There’s a bit of gentle scrambling involved, and you’ll also cross the river a few of times. However, after a few hours you’ll reach a beautiful natural swimming pool surrounded by steep rock walls – showered by cascades of spring-water and overlooked by palm trees.
For avid climbers, a Lake Natron visit can be combined with a climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai itself. Getting to the crater summit is best done however with an organised walking safari with Masai guides that can take between 6 and 9 days, but allows you to glimpse many small Masai villages as well as local wildlife. The climb of Lengai itself only takes about half a day in the morning before the scorching Sun, void of shade and life but full of unique geographic splendor.