Lake Natron lies in a remote stretch of the Rift Valley in northern Tanzania, a shallow soda lake whose highly alkaline water turns a deep red in parts due to the salt-loving organisms that thrive in it. The lake’s harsh chemistry makes it inhospitable to most life, but it is one of the few regular breeding sites in East Africa for lesser flamingos, which gather here in large numbers.

Overlooking the lake is Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano considered sacred by the Maasai, its dark cone rising sharply above the surrounding plains. Guided walks in the area lead to waterfalls in the nearby escarpment, offering a cooling contrast to the arid, otherworldly landscape around the lake itself.

Lake Natron is reached by road from Arusha through remote Rift Valley terrain, and its stark scenery attracts travellers looking for something beyond the standard safari circuit. It is often combined with a visit to the Serengeti for those continuing further into northern Tanzania.