Lake Natron, a soda lake with exceptional alkalinity, draws visitors to its partially exposed waters from the lava flows of Mount Lengai, a nearby active volcano. At its peak, hundreds of thousands of flamingos create a breathtaking spectacle over the lake and surrounding areas. As one of the worlds most significant flamingo breeding grounds, Lake Natron offers hotter weather than most destinations in northern Tanzania while showcasing unparalleled scenery. Most travelers make a point to visit the Enkuruka site—a mysterious cluster of stone ruins comprising seven abandoned villages with an intricate irrigation system of canals and dams that once supported a population of 5,000. The enigmatic inhabitants of Enkuruka remain poorly understood, leaving archaeologists puzzled to this day.
Location: Located north of the Ngorongoro crater, its a bit remote but close enough to Serengeti that its worth a visit if you have some spare time.
Activities: Nature walks, swimming in waterfalls; climbing Mount Lengai; visits to Maasai villages; trekking to flamingo nesting grounds; moonlit walks; camel riding.
When: Stay at least one night, but probably not more than two nights.
Animals: Tens of thousands of flamingos, plus small numbers of zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, ostriches and jackals.
