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I took this photo from our hot air ballo

Lake Natron and Ol Donyo Lengai view Tour

2 DAYS LAKE NATRON TOUR AND OL DONYO LENGAI VIEW IN TANZANIA

Indulge in the exquisite 2-Day Lake Natron Tour in Tanzania, where you will have the incredible opportunity to explore the remarkable habitat of two million lesser flamingos. The journey to this natural wonder is not just a means of reaching your destination; it's a visual feast in itself. The scenic vistas along the route are nothing short of breathtaking, offering an immersive experience that can be appreciated both as a standalone adventure and as a perfect complement to any conventional Northern Tanzania safari.


This tour not only provides a unique chance to witness the ethereal beauty of Lake Natron's flamingos but also allows you to savor the captivating landscapes that will captivate your senses. Whether you opt to experience this journey in isolation or as an enriching addition to your typical safari in Northern Tanzania, it promises to be a memorable and enriching exploration of this remarkable region.

Lake Natron + Ol donyo Lengai Highlights

Destinations: Arusha,Lake Natron and view of Mount ol donyo lengai

Level of Accommodation: Standard comfortable Lodge/Camps

Group size: Min Number of Participants: 2


Max number of participants: 6 people Per Vehicle (window seat guaranteed)


Schedule Dates: Yearly Around 

Detailed itinerary for Lake Natron and Ol Donyo Lengai view Tour

Lake Natron Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Natron

On the first day, your friendly driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha in the morning. You'll embark on a roughly 2-hour drive, departing from the main road. This scenic journey will take you through bumpy trails, passing through remote Maasai areas with breathtaking views of the majestic "mountain of God," Ol Doinyo Lengai. If you're lucky, you might even spot some zebras, giraffes, or other wildlife along the way.


The entire drive will last around 4-5 hours, including a lunch break. Once you arrive at the entrance gate to the Lake Natron area, a local Maasai guide will accompany you to your lodging. It's important to note that exploring this region without a local guide is not permitted, so all your excursions will be with your guide. After checking in and freshening up, you'll head to the lake.


Accompanied by your local guide, you'll explore the lake on foot. The ground can be a bit slippery and muddy, so be prepared to take it slow to prevent any falls. The lake is quite shallow for a while, so you can decide how close you'd like to get to the flamingos. You'll stay until sunset, which is when the flamingos are most active as they search for food. Following the visit, you'll return to your lodging for a delicious dinner.


Day 2: Waterfall Hike and Return to Arusha

The second day begins early to ensure you have ample time for a hike to a nearby waterfall before it gets too hot. The hike will take about 1 to 2 hours and will lead you through the stunning landscapes surrounding Lake Natron. Be ready to get wet, as you'll need to cross the river a few times during the hike.


Once you complete the hike, you'll start your journey back to Arusha, which will take around 4 hours. Lunch will be provided on the way.


This marks the end of your 2-day Lake Natron Tour in Tanzania.

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Lake Natron Adventure Inquiry

Step 1 of 4: Your Contact Details

🌋 Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai – FAQs

1. Where is Lake Natron located?
Lake Natron lies in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border within the Great Rift Valley. It sits beneath the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The area is remote, wild, and incredibly scenic — ideal for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
 
2. Why is Lake Natron famous?
Lake Natron is world-famous for its vivid red and pink soda waters, caused by high salinity and microorganisms. It’s also the main breeding site for East Africa’s lesser flamingos, which gather by the thousands to nest along the shores. The surreal landscapes and reflection views make it a photographer’s paradise.
 
3. Can you swim in Lake Natron?
No — swimming in Lake Natron’s main waters isn’t recommended because of the extreme alkalinity and high temperatures (up to 60°C). However, travellers can swim in nearby freshwater streams and waterfalls, such as Engare Sero Waterfall, located a short hike from most lodges or camps.
 
4. What makes Ol Doinyo Lengai unique?
Known as the “Mountain of God” in Maasai culture, Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active carbonatite volcano in the world. Its lava flows at relatively low temperatures, creating striking black formations. The mountain is also a sacred site for local Maasai communities, adding cultural depth to the trekking experience.
 
5. Can visitors climb Ol Doinyo Lengai?
Yes, adventurers can hike to the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai, but it’s a challenging overnight climb that requires fitness, stamina, and an early morning start (often at midnight). The trek rewards you with spectacular sunrise views over Lake Natron, the Rift Valley, and the distant Serengeti plains.
 
6. When is the best time to visit Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai?
The dry season (June to October) is ideal for visiting Lake Natron, offering clear skies and easy hiking conditions. The wet season (November–May) brings more water, lush vegetation, and active flamingo nesting — perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

7. What kind of wildlife can I see around Lake Natron?
Lake Natron supports an impressive array of birdlife — especially lesser flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory species. You may also encounter zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, ostriches, and gazelles roaming the surrounding plains. The combination of wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and Maasai villages makes it a rich cultural and natural destination.

8. How do I get to Lake Natron?
Travellers can reach Lake Natron via road safari from Arusha, Mto wa Mbu, or Serengeti, depending on their itinerary. The drive is scenic but rough — a true African adventure through Maasai villages, Rift Valley escarpments, and dry riverbeds. A fly-in option to nearby airstrips can be arranged for greater comfort and time savings.

9. What activities can I do at Lake Natron?
Popular activities include:

  • Flamingo and bird watching

  • Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai

  • Hiking to Engare Sero waterfalls

  • Cultural visits to Maasai villages

  • Sunrise and sunset photography

  • Exploring fossilised footprints believed to be thousands of years old


10. Where can I stay near Lake Natron?
Accommodation options range from budget camping to mid-range tented lodges. Favorites include Lake Natron Camp, Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge, and Lengai Safari Lodge. All offer stunning views of the lake and volcano, with local Maasai staff ensuring warm hospitality.

11. Is it safe to visit Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai?
Yes, it’s generally safe when guided by experienced operators like Travel Wise Safari. The region is remote, so visitors should travel with professional guides, 4x4 vehicles, and plenty of drinking water. Night climbs on Ol Doinyo Lengai should always be done with a certified mountain guide.

12. Can I combine Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai with other safari destinations?
Absolutely! Many travellers combine Lake Natron with Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park to create a diverse northern Tanzania circuit. It’s a perfect balance between wildlife safaris, geological wonders, and cultural encounters — ideal for adventurous travellers or photographers.

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