Lake Natron/Ol Doinyo Lengai

Recommended number of days at this destination: 1 - 3

Lake Natron is located along the Kenyan border to the east of Serengeti National Park. This area is hot and dusty with sparce vegetation. The lake itself is shallow and highly alkaline with a pH close to that of ammonia. The only life that the lake can support are the alkaline tilapia fish and algae which is highly favored by flamingoes. The water itself is pinkish-red in color. The temperature of the water can reach up to 60°C (140°F)! But there are some activities in the area. There are some well preserved hominid footprints to see, maasai villages to visit, and nice hiking ranging from half-day to full day at the beautiful and refreshing Ngare Sero Gorge reaching a refreshing waterfalls where swimming is safe and quite luring.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano just to the south of Lake Natron. Views of the flamingo covered lake with the often smoldering volcano in the background is a memorable view. This volcano is highly studied because it is unique in the world for having a different lava type. Without going into the technical aspects, it is cooler than other lava (only 575°C/1050°F) and the lava is fast flowing. The volcano is a holy site in the traditional Maasai religion and is known as "The mountain of god". It can be climbed in a day but is a very difficult climb. Temperatures in the area frequently reach over 40°C/104°F and with no shade, steep grade, loose gravel and dust; the climb is done in the nighttime. Because the volcano is active, there is no guarentee until the day of the climb that the climb will be permitted. It is done with a local Maasai guide. Most consider this a tougher climb than Kilimanjaro, being steep with lots of scrambling. If you are interested in this challenge, we can give you full details upon request. This destination can be part of a multi-day walking safari itinerary.

In this area there are some lodges (mid-range and luxury) and campsites available, some of them luxury. Most choose to spend 1 - 2 days in the area either on the way to northern Serengeti or returning from northern Serengeti.