As the fresh water evaporates in the lake, water with high concentrations of salt minerals such as sodium and trona remains. The alkalinity of the lake can reach a pH level of more than 12. Special bacteria and blue algae thrive in this environment and form an ideal breeding ground for the life of birds.
One of the most well-known lakes in the Northern Circuit is Lake Natron, which is located close to Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano famed for its thin, silvery lava. Natron is now a very alkaline water body that is dangerous for many organisms due to the minerals from the volcano, including salt, soda, and magnesite.
Oldoinyo Leng’ai, which is the only volcano in the world to produce sodium carbonate-rich natron-carbonatite lava, rises at a temperature of 500–590 °C and is located at a height of almost three thousand meters above sea level. Some have compared the lava’s movement to a torrent of mud because it resembles a very fluid, dark “river” when it is flowing. The journey down the Engare Sero brook, which flows through a small rocky gorge, leads to a lovely waterfall where it is possible to swim. The hike to the lake’s edge offers a great view.
Although the alluring lesser flamingo chooses to reproduce nearly entirely at Lake Natron, it feeds on the algae that is present in soda lakes all over eastern Africa. In actuality, Lake Natron is home to over 75% of the world’s population of lesser flamingos. When the heat is not as intense, morning or sunset are the greatest times to see these majestic birds.
The little streams, lakes, and hills that make up the Lake Flats, which encircle the water’s edge, offer a range of friendly habitats for birds that survive in the alkali oasis. Natron is home to well over 250 different bird species, the majority of which may be observed without leaving the comfort of the camp or by taking a short stroll outside.
