Lake Natron: A Thrilling Natural Phenomenon
The mighty peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Migration of stampeding wildebeest through the Serengeti and the Big 5 within one of the seven Natural Wonders of Africa- the Ngorongoro Crater, are what the East African country of Tanzania are best known for. But lying in the country’s northern reaches you will find the eerily crimson waters of Lake Natron, an equally thrilling natural phenomenon to explore. Lake Natron is a destination that very few travelers visit. With flamingo filled lakes, ancient hominoid footprints and active volcanoes, Natron is a stunning region reserved for the adventurous. A truly wonderful region.
The lake sits close to the Tanzania/Kenya border, in the Arusha region. Approximately six hours drive from Arusha itself, this is an area well off the beaten track, consisting of a near-pristine forest reserve and extensive grass plains interspersed with mountains, rocky hills, and even a live volcano – Ol Doinyo Lengai, ‘Mountain of God’ in Maasai. The scenery is phenomenal; some of the most spectacular in Africa. With a magical location ‘guarding’ Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai is an extremely steep climb – but reach its peak and you are rewarded with breathtaking views over Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and all the volcanoes of the Rift Valley! On a clear day this view is absolutely outstanding. Descend to the shoreline however and marvel at ‘the Lake Natron footprints’, fossilised footfalls preserving moments over 120,000 years ago when two groups of Homo sapiens traversed the volcanic-ash terrain. This is one of the world’s largest collections of human footprints and well worth a visit.
The area is also notable for its location on village land rather than within a game reserve or national park that prohibits human settlement. As a result, there is a close and often symbiotic relationship between human and wildlife communities here. The former are mostly Maasai people, benefiting from local tourism. Travelers benefit in turn by enjoying truly authentic cultural experiences, among the best in Tanzania!
All in all, there is nowhere in the world like Lake Natron and its surrounds – in addition to the climb of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the landscape provides excellent opportunities for walking safari. It is truly remarkable that an area of the magnificence of Lake Natron exists so close to the Serengeti, it is so under-appreciated and little visited. We tend to recommend it most often to guests who are on longer safaris and are looking for a more intrepid and adventurous overland experience, especially those who want to undertake the magnificent hike up Oldonyo Lengai.
When to go to Lake Natron?
Tanzania lies close to the equator and so temperatures are fairly constant, and rainfall is the main seasonal variant. The diversity of altitude and habitats means that climate does vary across the country. Temperatures and rainfall peak during the short rainy season of March to May.
The best months to visit Lake Natron are the coolest ones—from June to August. Dry season is perfect for walking and trekking around the lake. During the dry season, the water in the lake evaporates and concentration of salts and microorganisms gets higher, creating amazing colours. The wet season brings lots of rain and thunderstorms, which damage most of the trails and even roads around this area.
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OL DOINYO LENGAI VOLCANO CLIMB |$100 PER PERSON OR $70 PER PERSON FOR GROUPS OF 2 OR MORE| 12 – 14 HOURS
An overnight ascent to the summit of the famous “Mountain of God”. Climbing the 2,962 volcano under moonlight is an unforgettable and mystical experience.
One of the most challenging 1 day climbs in East Africa! Who is ready to take on the challenge?!
This trek is not for the faint hearted but worth it for the un-paralleled views from the top at sunrise. On a clear day you can expect to see the tips of Meru and Kilimanjaro pierce through the horizon to the east. To the north you can see to the far end of Lake Natron, where its northern shores border Kenya. To the west you will be able to see over the escarpment across the Sale Plains all the way to the Gol Mountains in a view that is so spectacular it doesn’t look real!
SAMPLE ITINERARY
11:30pm wake up, go to mess area for tea/coffee and snacks before driving to the base of Lengai
1am arrive at the base of Lengai and start your ascent
6am you are at the top of Lengai!
6:30am start your descent
12pm arrive at the base of Lengai, drive back to Lake Natron Camp
1pm arrive at Lake Natron Camp greeted by a cold face towel and fresh cold drink
1:30pm have lunch, relax by the pool, have a massage!
Please note, these timings are estimates. For some people it may take longer & for some a lot quicker!
Notes
• All fees paid directly to the Village Office
• For 2 or more guests the price drops to $70 per person.
• If guests are staying for 3 nights or more then the climb becomes free
• We supply helmets, Maasai walking sticks, food and water for the climb
• Transfers with our camp vehicle is $250 per vehicle if guests do not have their own vehicle
Conditions on Lengai can change daily. It must be understood that it is the guide’s decision if he believes the weather is not safe enough for to start a climb. Once on the mountain, to reach the summit section is also based on daily conditions and guests should be aware that there is the possibility of not reaching the true summit. In which case, refunds will unfortunately not be available.
Fees for Mt. Lengai are governed by the Village Office and are subject to change. Please confirm prices with the Camp Manager before booking.
THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY TREK & WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MAN COMBINED $ON REQUEST | 7 DAYS
Empakai – Leonotis – Natron – Sanjan – Piyaya – Nasera Rock – Olduvai
WHY THIS ADVENTURE?
For active types, Tanzania has a lot to offer, and this is one of the most dramatic hikes in East Africa. As well as the amazing scenery there is also the chance to witness the changing lives of the Maasai in both Ngorongoro and Natron. This is a trek back through millennia of evolution from the relatively recent hominid footprints right by our Lake Natron Camp, all the way to Olduvai, commonly known as "one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world", and home to evidence of our earliest ancestors. Each camp location and design is being targeted at guests that are looking for an off the beaten track experience, entirely respectful of the environment, and yet just enough comfort to ensure a superlative well balanced adventure.
If you think this is for you, read further!
You can add this adventure into your dates – all trips are customized to your dates.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hiking the Gregorian Rift Valley, Sanjan Gorge, Gol, Olduvai Gorge, witnessing untouched Maasai culture, being immersed into places people have never been before, stunning views, the migration (if timed right), off the beaten track, going back in time from old footsteps to new. Ngorongoro volcanoes, Empakai crater, stunning vistas, walking with Maasai Warriors, learning about local tribes and customs, witnessing changing times and culture, the unique habitat of Lake Natron, Flamingoes feeding & preening in freshwater streams.
DESCRIPTION
This is a 7-day itinerary with two nights spent at Lake Natron Camp. Starting in the Ngorongoro Highlands all the way to Olduvai Gorge is known as the 'Cradle of Mankind', and this trekking expedition course routes either to or from this area incorporating the history of mankind, geology, and landscapes spanning 250 million years. You can time this expedition with the migration in the short grass plains or append a migration experience post/pre-trek.
ITINERARY IN FULL
DAY 1 – EMPAKAI CRATER
On arrival at Empakai crater, there is the option to descend into the crater. This is around 40 minutes down and, depending on the season, can be quite slippery but certainly a great hike with stunning views. Flamingoes are often seen flying into the crater or feeding in the lake at the base. A hot shower is available before dinner. PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 3 PM TO BE MET AT EMPAKAI CAMP BY YOUR GUIDE.
Overnight Empakai Camp (full board).
DAY 2 – LEONOTIS CAMP, RIFT VALLEY SCARP
Dawn rises, and our lofty position affords a great sunrise. As we take breakfast our camp crew break camp and depart to send the camp ahead with donkeys. We then set off hiking with Maasai guides, following a route that takes us through picturesque Maasai villages and rolling hills. Lunch can be taken on route as a picnic or if guests are very fit a late lunch can be had in camp. In the late afternoon, a hike up to a nearby viewpoint is highly recommended and a great place for sundowners!
Dinner & overnight Leonotis Camp (full board).
DAY 3 – LAKE NATRON
The final section of hiking has two options of a shorter hike or a longer more strenuous option right along the rift wall. The views are spectacular with the active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai dominating the foreground. This volcano affects almost everything from hydrology to lifestyle, as will become apparent. Once down on the rift valley floor we are picked up and transfer to Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and here have the chance to jump in the natural pools to cool down. Sundowners are served at any number of beautiful points close to camp.
Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
DAY 4 – LAKE NATRON
Lake Natron has a number of activities that are very easily combined with dawn walks and sundowners and in the middle of the day there is the nearby Ngare Sero gorge that you can walk to options of long hikes to the source or shorter hikes to waterfalls. The staff are on hand to make you stay as adventurous or relaxing as you want.
Dinner & overnight Lake Natron Camp (full board).
DAY 5 - SANJAN GORGE
After breakfast you depart to the bottom of the rift valley and start your trek to Sanjan. The hike this morning is up the rift valley, following the migration routes of the Maasai and their cattle as they move to find pasture. Once on top of the rift valley you trek to meet our vehicle and transfer across the vast Salei plains to Sangan Gorge (note that the wildebeest migration is often here from December – May). Picnic lunches are provided to ensure you reach your goal well fed. You will be met by your camp crew when you reach your destination and you can go trek deep into Sanjan Gorge or just relax by the camp fire with a glass on wine!
Dinner & overnight Sanjan Camp (full board).
DAY 6 - PIYAYA
The camp is set at the base of the Gol mountains and faces east, which affords a stunning sunrise! Bush coffee is served right from the fire and after a filling breakfast you set of with your Maasai guides along the sides of the Sanjan gorge. It is very rocky underfoot in places and so good shoes are a must and at certain points be sure to look back for stunning views. Once through the gorge you meander your way and then transfer to camp to relax. For those that arrive early there are options to visit local attractions.
Dinner and overnight Piyaya Camp (full board).
DAY 7 – NASERA ROCK & DEPART
When you get to Nasera Rock, your driver will meet you, who will then take you on to the next part of your itinerary via Olduvai Gorge!