In north eastern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Natron is a vast alkaline soda lake that shimmers with a bright red hue under the hot African sun. The reddish pink hypersaline lake in Arusha region is more than 20 km wide but only about 3 meters deep. And as the evening sun sets over the valley the lake reflects the giant silhouette of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, known locally as the sacred ‘Mountain of God’.
There’s nowhere quite like Lake Natron on the planet, with its haunting shades of blood red water, unique wildlife, and towering mountain scenery. And most incredible of all, the hypersaline lake can actually turn the unfortunate creatures that find themselves stranded in its waters to stone! Because the lake has no major outflows, and receives only infrequent rainfall, the waters have concentrated extreme levels of sodium carbonate over the centuries, creating a dangerously toxic brine.
For most wildlife, this is a deadly cocktail, and animals that fall into the waters will quickly become calcified – literally, frozen in time, much as the Pharaohs of Egypt were once ritualistically mummified. However, the pink flamingos, who are immune to the lake’s harsh conditions, flock to the waters to feed and breed in their millions, and rare species of fish and microorganisms called cyanobacteria thrive in the lake. In fact, it is these strange bacteria that naturally produce the red pigment which explains the lake’s striking colors.
The remote Lake Natron is a one-of-a-kind destination for the adventurous traveller who’s looking to get away from the regular tourist trails and witness some of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles for themselves.
How To Get To Lake Natron, Tanzania?
To reach Lake Natron in north eastern Tanzania on the border with Kenya, your first port of call is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), near Arusha. This is the main travel hub for Tanzania’s northern safari destinations, and receives flights from many top international travel hubs, including Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Addis Ababa Bole (ADD), and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Overall flight times to Tanzania, including connecting flights, range from between 8 to 10 hours from Europe, while flights from the United States are typically 16 to 20 hours with at least one stop over en route.
Once you arrive in Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll need to travel to Arusha by road. The drive takes about 2 hours, and once you arrive you can rest and refresh in a local hotel for the night before traveling onwards to Lake Natron. Arusha is widely known as the ‘safari capital’ and provides you with a gateway to the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Lake Natron. Most visitors base themselves in Arusha and join multi-day tours to Lake Natron and other regional attractions.
The drive from Arusha to Lake Natron takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the conditions on the roads. The drive takes you through the ruggedly beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania – and you’re bound to spot a lot of wildlife along the way. Given the remote location of Lake Natron, it’s best to travel with a local guide in a 4×4 vehicle, to ensure your safety and comfort. Luxury travelers can charter private small plane flights to the lake’s edge, but the cost of this can be very steep and the drive to the lake is an exciting adventure in itself!
What’s the Best Time To Visit Lake Natron, Tanzania?
The optimal time to visit Lake Natron is during Tanzania’s dry season, between June and October. The dirt roads in rural regions are more passable in the dry season when the skies are clear, and the famous flamingos of the area gather in their greatest numbers.
During the dry season daytime temperatures range from 20 to 30 Degrees Celcius, although early mornings and evenings can get quite cool, especially at higher elevations. The peak season for flamingo watching is from July to October when photographers are presented with magical sights of the birds in and around Lake Natron against the powerful backdrop of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
During the wet season, the roads can be extremely challenging to traverse and the skies are frequently overcast between bouts of torrential rains. However, visitors are rewarded by a flourishing of greenery and huge swathes of wildflowers. If you visit during the wet season you can often get some great deals on hotels and flights, although generally speaking, it’s more enjoyable to visit during Tanzania’s dry season if you can.
What To Do at Lake Natron, Tanzania?
4 Day Guided Tour of Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, Tanzania
This 4 day guided tour picks you up from your hotel in Arusha and takes you deep into northern Tanzania’s wilderness. You’ll explore the shores of Lake Natron, see the huge flocks of feeding flamingos, climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, sleep under the stars in comfortable bush camps, and enjoy 3 meals a day prepared by your guides.
During the expedition you’ll ascend to the summit of the sacred Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, starting the climb at night to reach the crater by sunrise. From the top of the famous ‘Mountain of God’, the world’s only active carbonatite volcano, you’ll see the sun rise over the spectacular lake and scenery below.
During the tour you’ll have lots of time to explore the lake’s shore, rest and take in your astounding surroundings, and hike to the hidden Ngaresero Waterfall where you can swim in the cascades to cool off in the lush gorge. This all inclusive tour includes talks from your expert local guides, full-board meals, 4×4 transports, all park and admission fees, and a hotel pickup and drop off in Arusha.
There are also opportunities for optional Maasai village visits to add a cultural depth to your tour. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families with children, this unforgettable tour into the heart of the Rift Valley will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.
You can find out more, and reserve your places on the tour, here.
Arusha Waterfall, Village, and Coffee Tour with a Full Buffet Lunch
This all-inclusive private day trip from Arusha explores some of the authentic highlights and hidden treasures of the area. Too often, visitors overlook the abundance of beauty and sights of interest in and around the town, known locally as the ‘Gateway to Safari’ – despite safaris and savannah being right on the doorstep. Your local guide will drive you to a traditional mountain village, where you’ll learn how to harvest, roast, and brew your own coffee, straight from the bush. You’ll enjoy a farm-to-table Tanzanian buffet lunch made with freshly prepared ingredients, and taste some regional banana wine.
During your tour you’ll visit a honey bee farm and taste the delicious honey straight from the combs, learn about a sustainable biogas project that is providing sustainable energy to local communities, and visit a secluded waterfall where you can swim beneath the cascading falls. To top off your action packed day, you’ll drive up to a popular view point to appreciate the scenery and snap a few photos before being driven back to your hotel in time for a drink by the pool before dinner.
You can find out more about the tour, and book your places, here.
Visit Mount Kilimanjaro on a One Day Hiking Trip
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain peak in Africa, but for most people its upper summits are out of reach due to the extreme difficulty of the climb. However, on this one day guided tour from Arusha you’ll have the chance to experience Kilimanjaro without having to commit to the full climb to the summit.
After being picked up at your hotel, you’ll drive out to the Kilimanjaro National Park. You’ll then trek for 3 to 4 hours through the lush mountain rainforests, past huge trees that tower over the misty trails. Along the way you’ll see blue monkeys and colobus monkeys swinging through the canopies or stopping in the branches to watch you walk by!
Once you reach Madara Hut, a stop off point on the Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll have a packed lunch while savoring the stunning mountain views. There’s also the option of hiking on to Maundi Crater before returning back down the slopes to be driven back to your hotel. This is a perfect day trip for anyone who wants to see Kilimanjaro but is not quite ready to scale this giant of a mountain – ideal for families with children, couples, and solo travelers seeking a relaxing way to experience Africa’s most legendary mountain for themselves.
You can book your place on the tour, and find out more, here.
Massai Village Visit and Chemka Hot-Springs with Lunch Day Trip from Arusha
Experience the native culture of Arusha with this private guided tour of the Maassai village of Mserekia before visiting the Kikuletwa Hot Springs to rest and rejuvenate. Your tour begins with a hotel pick up in Arusha before being driven out to the Maassai village in an air conditioned 4×4 vehicle.
Led by your experienced local guide, you’ll learn about the traditional Maassai homes, livestock practices, ceremonies, and the tribe’s deep connection to the land, as well as having the chance to meet with many of the friendly villagers.
You’ll have a traditional lunch before heading onwards to the crystal clear waters of the Kikuletwa Hot Springs to unwind in the steaming therapeutic pools, surrounded by fig trees and rugged savannah plains. Once you’ve recharged in the hot waters, you’ll head back to Arusha where you’ll be dropped back off at your hotel.
You can find out more about the one day tour, or book your tickets, here.
Stay at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha
As the ideal place to base yourself during your explorations of the Arusha region, Lake Natron, and Kilimanjaro National Park, the Gran Melia Hotel is a luxurious home from home in the bush. Boasting spectacular sweeping views of Mount Meru, the hotel is situated in 18 acres of landscaped tea and coffee plantations, and within easy reach of the airport and the town center.
The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout, airport transfers, a large outdoor pool with sun loungers, a fully equipped fitness center with spa and massage services, rooftop and poolside bars, and a range of elegant dining options to choose from. What’s more, the hotel offers a full buffet breakfast, special diet menus, and a full concierge and butler service.
All rooms and suites are spacious with a choice of mountain, city or pool views. Each room has air conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV, luxury en suite bathrooms, and you can select from singles, suites, family rooms, and more. The quintessential safari lodge with superb facilities and excellent transport links, the Gran Melia Hotel is the jewel in Arusha’s crown for any international visitor.
You can book your room, and find out more about this one-of-a-kind hotel, on the official website, here.
