Lake Magadi

The Spirulina Garden

The high alkalinity of the lake creates a very specific ecological niche. A specialized blue-green algae called Spirulina flourishes in these mineral-rich waters. This algae is the primary food source for thousands of Lesser and Greater Flamingos, which give the lake its signature pink fringe.

• The Night Shift: Interestingly, flamingos use the Crater primarily as a cafeteria rather than a nursery; their main breeding grounds are at the nearby, more caustic Lake Natron. They often fly in and out of the Crater under the cover of night, and those staying at lodges on the rim can often hear them “honking like geese” as they navigate through the darkness.

Predator & Prey

The lakeshore is one of the most productive wildlife viewing areas within the Crater, offering a high-stakes arena for both hunters and the hunted:

• The Jackal Trifecta: Ngorongoro Crater is the only spot in Africa where you can see all three species of jackal: the Golden jackal (frequently seen hunting flamingos in the shallows), the Black-backed jackal, and the rare Side-striped jackal.
• Lakeshore Giants: It is not uncommon to find a black-maned lion slumbering on the cool soda-crust of the shoreline or a rare Black Rhino wandering the flats. The openness of the lake’s perimeter provides some of the best unobstructed views of these legends.
• Specialized Herbivores: Huge Eland—the largest of Africa’s antelopes—are often seen near the lake, along with herds of wildebeest and zebra that utilize the open terrain to stay clear of the resident prides.