ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai

lake natron flamingos ngorongoro tanzania safari

Set within the Rift Valley on the eastern border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Natron is perhaps the most starkly beautiful of all the Rift Valley lakes south of Turkana. Almost 60km long but nowhere more than a metre deep, this primordial alkaline sump is renowned for its caustic and unusually viscous waters, which are enclosed by a crust of volcanic ash and salt, as well as a few isolated swamp patches fed by bubbling hot springs. There is some large wildlife in the area, but Natron’s main faunal claim to fame is as the only known breeding ground for East Africa’s 2.5 million lesser flamingos, which congregate at an inaccessible part of the lake between August and October. Natron also attracts up to 100,000 migrant waders during the European winter. The main attraction close to the Natron is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai ‘Mountain of God’, a textbook volcano that rises more than 2km above the surrounding Rift Valley floor to an altitude of 2,960m. Probably the most active volcano in East Africa, Lengai has erupted at least a dozen times in the past 150 years, experienced almost continuous low-key activity over the last past century and a half, the most dramatic in recent years being over 2007, when it emitted an ashen steamy plume that travelled almost 20km downwind. The steep ascent of Lengai, ideally undertaken overnight to avoid sun exposure on the black shadeless slopes, is a popular hike with fit and adventurous travellers, at least when the volcano is sufficiently placid. It should only be undertaken with an experienced local guide, ideally leaving shortly before midnight to reach the crater rim for sunrise.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Vihann our contact was Outstanding!

9 Day Best Of Botswana Safari Review

Lee, Australia
12 May 2023
Amazing! Everything was just perfect, all our needs were met and everyone...

Letaka Miracle Rivers Mobile Safari & Chobe Game Lodge Review

Matt Campion, United Kingdom
15 Nov 2022
Adelle was amazing, arranging our last-minute holiday and making it simply superb!

Uganda Holiday Review

Anna, United Arab Emirates
21 Feb 2022
Very good safari experience, thanks!

Xugana Island Lodge Review

Benno, Switzerland
16 Nov 2019
Karl from DA certainly hit the nail on the head with our...

Tanzanian Great Migration Safari Review

Lorraine Mckay, New Zealand
01 Jul 2019
100% thrilled with Discover Africa and Matthys.

Big Five Safari Adventure Review

Jodi, Canada
14 Mar 2019

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Adelle Belle, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai | Last Updated: 29 September 2023