lake natron in tanzania that is rich in salt and soda

Active visitors will go out of their way to Ol Doinyo Lengai which translates as “Mountain of God” in Maasai. Tourists will stay in various campsites near the lake to take in the full splendor of its haunting beauty, the droves of pink birds, and larger wildlife that seek solace in the land. The cluster of pink lakes are so out of the ordinary in the continent that astronauts can often see a spot of pink from space. Nearby are other lakes that sport its same unique color and unsavory, saline-infested landscape like Lake Magadi. Lake Natron is nestled at the foothills of a mountainous terrain where it’s common to spot larger wildlife like zebras, lions and camels (yes, camels). Unfortunately, the flamingos are facing near extinction as the lake continues to dry up, making the land more inhabitable for them than they can handle. The lake has a rapid evaporation rate that increases the decomposition.

In reality, the skeletal remains are only an aftermath of animals that have passed away of natural causes. Tourists visiting the lake to find mummified creatures floating idly on the water may be responsible for a common misconception that the lake is extremely dangerous to venture through. It’s possible for wildlife to survive in this salt and soda lake since birds like the flamingos can feed on its algae and build their nests on its mud flats since the land is so dry. The lake isn’t the only thing that is showing off its pink colors, flamingos have made the lake its home year-round. Thanks to the undesirable water, it steers off any threatening predators for the smaller wildlife that frequently find themselves at the bottom of the food chain elsewhere. However, despite the undrinkable water, many animals and birds retreat to the area as their safe haven. Lake Natron is dangerously high in saline that results in bacteria accumulation that can turn the water into this pinkish hue. That vision is a reality when you visit the 35-mile long Lake Natron in northern Tanzania near the border of Kenya. Imagine stepping out of your vehicle to come across a lake of hardened pink (sometimes red) globs with occasional mummified remains of animals like you’d see in a science fiction film.

Lake natron in tanzania that is rich in salt and soda