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Lake Natron
Lake Natron is a shallow, alkaline salt lake located in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. It is the lowest point in the Great Rift Valley, and it is one of the most alkaline lakes in the world. The lake's water is so alkaline that it can turn animals into stone, and it is one of the few places in the world where flamingos breed.
Lake Natron is formed by the evaporation of rainwater and mineral-rich hot springs. The lake's water is high in sodium carbonate and natron, which give the lake its alkaline properties. The lake's water is also very salty, and it can reach temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit).
Lake Natron is a unique and fascinating ecosystem. The lake's high alkalinity and salinity make it a harsh environment for most life, but a few specialized species have adapted to thrive in these conditions. The lake is home to a variety of algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms, as well as a number of birds and fish.
The most famous animals in Lake Natron are the lesser flamingos. Lesser flamingos are the only species of flamingo that breeds regularly in Africa. The lake's high alkalinity and salinity create an ideal breeding environment for the flamingos, as it is free of predators and competitors.
Lake Natron is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its stunning scenery and unique wildlife. Visitors can go on game drives, nature walks, and birdwatching tours. The lake is also a popular spot for photography, as its red-colored water and white salt flats create a truly unique landscape.
Lake Natron Experiences
There are a number of things to do at Lake Natron, including:
- Go on a game drive: Game drives are the best way to see the wildlife at Lake Natron. You can see a variety of animals, including flamingos, crocodiles, lions, elephants, and giraffes.
- Take a nature walk: Nature walks are a great way to learn about the plants and animals at Lake Natron. You can see a variety of birds, insects, and other animals on nature walks.
- Go birding: Lake Natron is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and ostriches. Birdwatching is a great way to learn about the diversity of birds in the area.
- Visit the Engare Sero Gorge: The Engare Sero Gorge is a beautiful gorge located near Lake Natron. Visitors can hike through the gorge and see a variety of waterfalls.
- Visit the Oldonyo Lengai volcano: Oldonyo Lengai is an active volcano located near Lake Natron. Visitors can climb the volcano and see the crater.
- Visit a Maasai village: There are a number of Maasai villages located near Lake Natron. Visitors can visit these villages to learn about Maasai culture and traditions.
Lake Natron, A place for Flamingos
Flamingos find a safe breeding ground at Lake Natron, since most other animals find its caustic environment and high temperature of the lake (up to 60°C) as well as its high salinity inhospitable. It therefore provides a good barrier against predators trying to reach nests on seasonal evaporation islands. Every year, more than two million flamingos come here to lay their eggs and chicks hatch between September and April. Cyanobacteria are increasing with the salinity of the water, and the lake can carry more nests. Larger flamingos also breed in the Wadden Sea
Flamboyance
Flamboyance flying over Lake Natron...
Ol Doinyo Lengai
A view of Ol Doinyo Lengai,an active volcano which is just south of Lake Natron.
Maasai people
In the area of Lake Natron there are Maasai bomas spread around the area, but the main central village is several kilometres away to the west at the base of the escarpment. The village is named Ngare Sero.
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