Lake Natron Basin

The Lake Natron Basin is a salt and soda lake in the Arusha Region of northern Tanzania, situated within the Gregory Rift, the eastern branch of the East African Rift. The lake is famous for its extreme alkalinity, with pH levels often exceeding 12, making it caustic to most life forms except for specialized microorganisms and the lesser flamingo. In fact, Lake Natron is the only regular breeding ground in East Africa for the 2.5 million lesser flamingos, whose survival depends on the lake's isolation and abundant cyanobacteria. The water temperature can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius, and its high salt concentration creates a distinctive red or pink hue when viewed from above. Surrounded by volcanic hills and the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, the basin represents one of the most hostile yet fascinating environments on the planet.

Nearby cities

Dar es Salaam

The largest city and economic hub on the Indian Ocean coast.

Empakaai Crater

A pristine crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands featuring a deep blue alkaline lake and steep, forested walls.

Nature

Lake Tanganyika

The deepest lake in Africa.

Lake Natron

An alkaline salt lake.

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Lake Magadi

An extreme soda lake.

More places

Ol Doinyo Lengai

A unique active volcano with natrocarbonatite lava.

Ngorongoro Crater

A massive volcanic caldera in the Serengeti region.

Serengeti Plain

The famous grassland savannah in the north.

Lake Eyasi Basin

An alkaline salt lake in the Rift Valley.

Katavi Forest Habitat

Forest area with wildlife.

Songo Songo Gas Field

A major offshore natural gas field near Songo Songo island, supplying natural gas to Dar es Salaam for power generation.

Katavi Park

A remote wildlife area.

Gombe Park

Famous for chimpanzee research.