The drive to Lake Natron takes about 2 to 4 hours from Mto wa Mbu (next to Lake Manyara).
You quickly become fascinated by the spectacular scenery around Natron, with great hills and ancient volcanoes in view.
The route along Natron is a lesser-known one, rarely used by tourists.
Visitors come here relatively rarely. Around you, you see the desolation and realize that the few Masai villagers, who speak only their own Masai language and no Swahili, live a hard life.
So dry and hot….
Lake Natron itself is home to a fascinating ecosystem that thrives in this harsh environment.
The lake is full of millions of cyanobacteria and is extremely hostile (toxic) to most organisms. Only flamingos thrive here. The alkalinity can become so high that it almost approaches that of pure ammonia. When it rains, the lake even turns red about 3 times a year.
You visit this place and this area because of its remote location.
The more adventurous (or reckless?) tourist also gets their money’s worth here.
You can Ol Doinyo Lengai climb, the “Mountain of God,” usually starting at night for a spectacular sunrise view. This unique volcano spews carbonatite lava, blacker and more fluid than ordinary lava. It is a lead hard climb with risks, given its active status. Lake Natron is a place for adventurers, not for repetition on an annual basis, but for a unique, alternative experience.
