Lake Natron

The topography of Lake Natron is defined by its shallow, hyper-saline waters and a striking red-to-orange hue. This characteristic color is a byproduct of salt-loving organisms and halo-archaea that thrive in the high salinity. The lake’s environment is highly seasonal; as water evaporates during the dry season, salinity levels rise to a point where salt-loving microorganisms flourish, providing a rich, alkaline “soup.” The surrounding landscape is dramatic and volcanic, dominated by the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God,” which looms over the salt flats.

While the environment is too harsh for most wildlife, it is a vital sanctuary for one specific species:

• The Lesser Flamingo: Lake Natron is the only regular breeding area in East Africa for the 2.5 million lesser flamingos. The high alkalinity of the water protects the birds from predators, who cannot navigate the caustic mud to reach the nests.
• The “Flamingo Dance”: Guests can witness the flamingos performing synchronized group displays—marching in tight formations with their heads held high, turning in unison as part of their complex mating rituals.
• Feeding Behavior: The lake’s abundant algae is the sole food source for these birds. Watching them feed with their unique, upside-down bills to filter the alkaline water is a fascinating highlight of the region.
• An Evolutionary Haven: Beyond the flamingos, certain species of Alcolapia latilabris (a salt-tolerant tilapia) have evolved to survive in these hot, saline springs—one of the few fish species on Earth capable of living in such extreme conditions.