Lake Natron

In northern Tanzania, next to Lake Manyara, lies the soda or salt lake known as Lake Natron. It is situated in the Gregory Rift, the East African Rift’s eastern branch. The lake is located at the base of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.

Less than three meters deep and varying in breadth according to water level, Lake Natron is relatively shallow. 22 kilometers broad and 57 kilometers long make up the lake. The region experiences sporadic seasonal rainfall, primarily from December to May. The lake frequently experiences temperatures of exceeding 40 °C.

The lake’s high concentration of salt minerals like sodium and trona is left behind after the fresh water evaporates.

The lake’s alkalinity can cause its pH to rise over 12. In this setting, unique bacteria and blue algae flourish and create a perfect nesting ground for avian life. Some cyano bacteria are among these halophilic species; they make their own food through photosynthesis much like plants do. The rich red hues of the lake’s waters and the orange hues in the shallow portions are caused by the red pigment in the cyanobacteria. Alkali salt crust on the lake’s surface is colored red or pink by salt-loving bacteria that live there.

Flamingos can reproduce in peace at Lake Natron.
Since most other species find Lake Natron’s caustic climate, high temperature (up to 60°C), and high salinity uninhabitable, flamingos find a safe nesting place there. As a result, it acts as a solid deterrent for predators attempting to approach eggs on seasonal evaporation islands. In this area, almost two million flamingos lay their eggs each year, which hatch between September and April. The salinity of the water causes an increase in cyanobacteria, and the lake may support more nests. The Wadden Sea is home to breeding larger flamingos.

Additional wildlife at Lake Natron

Some fish species, like tilapia, may thrive in the water that is a little less salty close to the beach. A few indigenous species of crustaceans, algae, and birds may be found in Lake Natron. A popular African destination for bird watchers, Lake Natron is home to tens of thousands of other species.