Lake Natron is a special natural phenomenon and to get straight to the point. It is a little off the beaten track and getting there involves a bit of bumping and dust, but it is definitely worth a visit for all bird lovers, hikers and active people, amateur geologists and anthropologists as well as the individual tourists among you who like less visited places.

Large quantities of sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash, are dissolved in the lake. This comes from the volcanic ash from the neighboring Ol Doinyo Lengai. The pH value of the lake, which is only a maximum of three meters deep, is between 9 and 10.5 due to the soda and the water temperatures are often above 40 and sometimes 50 degrees Celsius. These conditions favor the proliferation of special algae that only live in alkaline water. These algae cause the unique red coloration of the lake and form the food base for small so-called brine shrimp, which in turn are preferentially eaten by dwarf flamingos and also color their plumage reddish, pink. This phenomenon makes Lake Natron the largest breeding site for lesser flamingos in East Africa, at times even the only one during the year. In the high season from July to September, up to 2.5 million lesser flamingos can be observed. The best chance of seeing these cute birds, which like to stand on one leg and stick their heads in the water to feed on crayfish, is on a walk to the shores of the lake. Your knowledgeable guide will also take the opportunity to show you the 5,000 to 19,000-year-old footprints of homo sapiens on the southern shore of Lake Natron, which first attracted the attention of researchers in 2008. In addition to the guided walk to the lake, you can also scramble to the Engeresero waterfalls. The path leads along and repeatedly through a small river fed by the waterfalls and over the surrounding stones and rocks. Good footwear is therefore recommended and getting wet is guaranteed. However, given the temperatures in the area, this is a pleasant refreshment.

If you want to do even more climbing and hiking, climb the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The day tour starts at around midnight and takes you up the approximately 1,000 meters to the top of the volcano. Contrary to the glistening temperatures during the day, it is really cold at night, so appropriate clothing is mandatory. Arriving at 2,890 meters around sunrise, you get a breathtaking view into the smoking maw of the volcano. On the descent back down the very steep path, you will have to slide on your bottom in places and hiking poles are definitely a must, along with good shoes and sure-footedness. When you arrive back at the starting point, even the fittest of you will definitely be ready for a shower and a break. Alternatively, the route can also be completed as a 2-day tour with an overnight stay in tents at the volcano.