The alkalinity levels of the lake can become so concentrated, that they almost approach that of straight ammonia. The lake is an extremely hostile environment and most other organisms are not able to live here. The lake also supports a vast population of Spirulina, a blue-green algae with red pigments, on which the large population of Lesser Flamingoes feed on. As the lake increases in salinity, so does the population of bacteria. The lake is full of millions of Cyanobacteria - a salt loving micro organism which create their own food through photosynthesis. That said, the lake itself is home to a fascinating eco-system which thrives in this harsh environment. In stead, visit this area for its remoteness, scenery and for an interesting route into the back of Loliondo. The area around Lake Natron is home to some wildlife, you might see the occasional giraffe or zebra ? but this is not the main reason to come here. It's about a five-hour drive from Lake Natron to reach the safari camps of the Serengeti's Loliondo area.

To finally reach Lake Natron, you drive around this imposing volcano ? perhaps keeping your eyes on its smoking crown.

These are soon dwarfed by the sight of Kerimasi Crater and, finally, the active Oldoinyo Lengai whose name means ?mountain of god? in the Maasai language. To the north of this track stands a handful of great mounds the remains of extinct volcanoes. Only the occasional Maasai homestead now dots the landscape. Drive deeper, and green vegetation gives way to a sparse, dusty landscape.

You will soon focus on the scenery: looking around, the views are spectacular. It is hot but with the Rift Valley rising up on your left hand side, the landscape is increasingly dramatic. The drive to Lake Natron takes around three hours from Mto wa Mbu (beside Lake Manyara). It is also some of the most dramatic scenery we have seen in Tanzania and the journey here is worth it for the views alone. But for those who do choose to visit Natron, they are rewarded with an area that is far off the beaten track and sees relatively little tourism. This area is hot and often very dry and dusty so certainly for the more intrepid traveller.

Lake natron tanzania youtub