Lake Natron

Lake Natron is a salt lake in Tanzania’s Rift Valley, located north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near the Kenyan border. Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano, dominates the landscape here. The surrounding area is semi-arid and dusty. Though millions of flamingos make their home on the lake, feeding on algae, not much else is supported by this hot, harsh habitat. The only fish in these waters is the alkaline tilapia. The lake is 170 square miles wide and less than 10 feet deep, but the size of the body of water varies depending on the precipitation and evaporation. Between July and October is the flamingo’s breeding season and the best time to visit. However, visitors to this place come more for the scenery than for the wildlife.