3 nights Lake Natron Safari
3 NIGHTS LAKE NATRON SAFARI
DAY 1, 2 AND 3: LAKE NATRON – IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
Our Lake Natron Safari will depart Arusha and drive North to the Kenyan border, where the soda lake is located. On the way we shall enjoy beautiful wildlife and cultural experiences – this area is inhabited by the Maasai tribe. Mammals here include Blue Wildebeest, Maasai Giraffe, Gerenuk, Olive Baboon, Common Zebra, Bushy-tailed Mongoose, Lesser Kudu, African Golden Wolf, Thompson’s Gazelle and Grant’s Gazelle.
Lake Natron is fed by Ewaso Ngíro South River, which emerges from Southern Kenya. There are also several springs that emerge from the hot ground surface. At about 600 metres above sea level, Lake Natron is the lowest part of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa; and probably the most-concentrated of the salt water lakes in East Africa.
The local birds of this area are also a key highlight on our Lake Natron Safaris. Common birds here include Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, White-bellied Go-away-bird and Cape Teal. Lake Natron is also a famous breeding site for Lesser Flamingos and hosts the largest breeding colony in East Africa. We shall spend time enjoying the flamingo flocks on a walk along the lake shores.
We shall enjoy the next days engaging in local activities around Lake Natron. Photography opportunities are a key attraction of the Lake Natron Safaris. We shall spend one morning at a local Maasai Village experiencing their cultural life and learning all about their tribe.
We shall also enjoy views of the mighty Ol doinyo Lengai (the “Mountain of God”; according to local Maasai culture); which is an active volcano – a highlight on all our Lake Natron Safaris. Here we also enjoy viewing another mountain called Gelai Volcano. We shall also explore local Ngare Sero waterfalls and other landscapes in the area.
The archeology and paleontology of this vast area is amazing and the famous “Peninj or Natron mandible“, from the Australopithecus or Paranthropus boisei, was discovered near here.
Nights at Natron.
DAY 4: LAKE NATRON TO ARUSHA
We shall enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Natron. We may also choose to enjoy an extra activity that we may not have experienced during the other days of our Lake Natron Safari.
We shall later drive to Arusha; cruising through the Maasai Steppe savannah. We shall then take an airport transfer for the flights home; marking the end to our lovely Lake Natron Safari.
Highlight mammals and others
Blue Wildebeest, Maasai Giraffe, Gerenuk, Olive Baboon, Common Zebra, Bushy-tailed Mongoose, Lesser Kudu, African Golden Wolf, Thompson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle
Highlight birds
Kori Bustard, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Superb Starling, Cape Teal
Habitats covered
Savannah, Wetlands, Semi-arid Scrubland
Photographic opportunities
Excellent
Special moments
Ol doinyo Lengai Mountain views, Lake Natron, Flamingo flocks
Extensions:-
The 3 nights Lake Natron Safari can be combined with our Ngorongoro Crater Day Tour.