Mysteries of Lake Natron : Tanzania, an East African nation, is best known for the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti, and the Big 5 within the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s seven natural wonders. However, the strangely red waters of Lake Natron, located in the northernmost part of the nation, provide an equally exciting natural phenomena to investigate on a Tanzania safari.

The lake appears somewhat typical at first glance, with blue waves eroding the coastline, but a closer inspection quickly shows a distinctive red crust coating the lake’s surface, which is odd to the naked eye. The bacteria that thrive in the lake’s mineral-rich waters are the source of this natural marvel. The lake, which is heated to 40 degrees Celsius and has a high salinity due to neighboring volcanic springs, is uninhabitable for most species and causes fear in those who perish there during the dry season. The fact that the lake is still one of the largest breeding sites for the lesser flamingos, who swarm the region annually in their millions, is surprising. Why not include an exploration of the mysterious ecosystem and presence of Lake Natron in your African safari. Many visitors to Tanzania are unaware of this natural phenomenon.

 

Mysteries of Lake Natron : Where is Lake Natron located?

Lake Natron is in Tanzania’s Arusha Region and is near to the border with neighboring Kenya. The 58km of shallow seas are encircled by the volcanic mounds of Ol Doinya Lengai and Gelai, which contribute to the peculiar chemistry of the area.

Mysteries of Lake Natron : Why is Lake Natron red?

Natron, a combination of minerals and salts, is abundant in the lake’s waters, which are fed by natural springs from the nearby mountains. Thus, the moniker. During the dry season, these minerals become visible as the lake’s water level drops and form a red crust on the surface. This is where salt-loving microbes thrive, which explains why the lake’s surface is a rich crimson colour. The very alkaline waters can reach temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. When an animal is not acclimated to the high pH of the lake, it can burn their skin and eyes and harm most of the creatures that drink from its banks. The lake’s pH can rise as high as 10.5 nearly as high as ammonia.

The unsettling property of Lake Natron that causes animal carcasses to turn to stone is its most enigmatic feature. Animals are fully preserved by calcification due to the high sodium bicarbonate level, leaving behind statue-like figures that wash ashore on the coast.  According to Brandt’s theory, migratory birds are mummified in the chemically rich waters of the lake when they collide with its highly reflecting surface.

The unsettling property of Lake Natron that turns creatures that pass away there to stone is its most enigmatic feature.

Mysteries of Lake Natron
Lake Natron

How to get there.

One alternative is to take a day excursion from Arusha to discover Lake Natron, which provides beautiful paths that travel through traditional Maasai bomas and hilly scenery. But, if you’re seeking to see the impressive red, lunar like surface of the lake, we recommend catching it from a birds eye view.

The best time to see flamingos at Lake Natron.

From the months of June to November, upwards of 2 million lesser flamingos gather at the lake to nest. The tiny salt islands that emerge during the dry season are home to flamingo nests, which are sustained by the algae that thrive in the briny water. Then, one may ask, is there a connection between the red lake and the pink flamingo. Actually, there is! The pink colour of flamingos is derived from the algae, mainly cyanobacteria, that they consume. Since the water in this area is poisonous to mammals, don’t expect to see many other animals in the wild. For the whole African safari experience, we also suggest visiting the adjacent Ngorongoro Crater in addition to Lake Natron.

Upwards of two million lesser flamingos congregate to the lake to breed from June through November. The enigmatic nature of Tanzania’s petrifying lake is among the most disregarded natural phenomena. Our speciality is uncharted area in Africa, which is why we urge you to experience Lake Natron’s splendor for yourself. Would you want to include Lake Natron in your safari itinerary for Tanzania? To begin organizing your Tanzania safari journey, get in contact with us at Focus East Africa Tours you will not regret.

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