In the morning, we drive from Arusha to Lake Natron. As we approach, we are met with vistas of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the home of the Maasai deity (Engai), who rules over the expanse of the area. The area surrounding Lake Natron is home to some of Africa's most arid yet breathtaking scenery. It is amazing! Together with your local Maasai guide, you'll hike to the Engero Sero waterfalls. You'll ford the stream several times until you reach a beautiful natural pool surrounded by steep rock walls, over which spring water cascades. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

 

In the late afternoon, we drive to the shores of Lake Natron, where we observe the various bird colonies. Often, a carpet of dried fish spreads out at our feet along the shoreline. The irregular rainfall and the intense heat cause lake level fluctuations; parts of the lake dry out, along with the fish, forming natron crusts, which are collected and traded by the local Maasai. This alkaline salt lake, as beautiful as it is inhospitable, takes its name from one of its chemical components: natron (soda), which is added to it by the sodium carbonate lava from the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. Its colors range from pink to blue and change depending on the season and rainfall. The lake is only up to three meters deep, reaches temperatures above 40°C, and has no outlet, resulting in high concentrations of salt and soda.  

​

Nevertheless, algae and brine shrimp thrive here, and in the mouths of the few streams, there is even a small species of cichlid. Storks, greater flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds congregate by the thousands in the estuaries of the streams. The rest of the lake, which extends all the way to Kenya, belongs solely to the approximately two million lesser flamingos, who can survive on the algae and brine shrimp. Animal carcasses left lying in the water create a bizarre scene, as they are quickly preserved by salts and calcified, i.e. petrified, by the sodium carbonate contained in the lake. Fossilized footprints dating back 100,000 years have been found near the lake. The area around the lake is dry, hot, desolate, and yet captivatingly beautiful. On our way back, we gaze at the dominating Ol Doinyo Lengai, which we will climb during the cool of the coming night. After dinner we retreat to the tent and gather our strength. We will wake you up around 11 p.m., and after a small snack you will begin the ascent to Ol Doinyo Lengai with your mountain guide.

 

Accommodation: Moivaro Tented Camp, Lake Natron